Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Wayne, NJ: $76,786 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Wayne, NJ earns a median $76,786/year (≈ $36.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Wayne's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,655 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Wayne, New Jersey, is projected to reach $76,786, marking a notable increase compared to the national median of $68,071. This figure reflects the diverse settings where LPNs may find employment, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. Pay ranges for licensed practical nurses in the area span from $61,317 at the 10th percentile to $99,862 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant variation in compensation based on experience and workplace location. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, providing a more localized perspective on earning potential. Given the unique healthcare needs in Wayne, LPNs face a dynamic job market with varying demands across different healthcare settings.
About the Wayne Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,317 | $29.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,599 | $33.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,786 | $36.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,216 | $43.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,862 | $48.01 |
Median Salary Position
12.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wayne
In Wayne, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,545 (2026 est.). At $76,786, the local median is 12.8% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wayne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wayne Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Wayne median: $76,786/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wayne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,433 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +12.80% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Wayne, NJ earn a median of $76,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $78,433.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wayne has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wayne, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,786 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,655 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,559
2025 BLS Actual
$72,645
2026 Current Est.
$76,786
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,613 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,786 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wayne metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,559 (2019) to $72,645 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,604 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wayne metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,317 – $69,599 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,599 – $76,786 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,786 – $91,216 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,216 – $99,862 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Wayne
The local job market for licensed practical nurses in Wayne remains relatively stable, with only 10 employed LPNs reported in the area, demonstrating a focused but limited demand for these professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the purchasing power for salaries here can be affected, necessitating adept financial planning. Long-term care settings, particularly skilled nursing facilities, tend to offer higher wages compared to home health roles or physician offices. Factors contributing to salary variations include specialized certifications like IV therapy, shift differentials, and potential premium pay for weekend and holiday shifts. Aspiring LPNs or those currently in the field should consider pursuing additional training or certifications, as well as strategically targeting employers known for competitive compensation packages, to enhance their earning potential in Wayne, NJ.
More salary data for Wayne, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Wayne?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,645 for licensed practical nursesin the Wayne metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wayne is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov