Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $105,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Lakewood, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,039/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Lakewood's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $91,180 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior licensed practical nurses in Lakewood, NJ, stand to gain significantly, with top earners (P90) projected to receive an impressive annual salary of $105,039 and those in the 75th percentile (P75) earning around $94,432. This premium compensation reflects a marked difference from the median annual salary of $77,805, showcasing the noteworthy experience premium in this field. To reach these upper echelons of pay, LPNs must cultivate advanced skills, pursue specializations, or take on leadership roles that align with local healthcare demands and settings. Such strategic career moves can propel seasoned nurses toward the highest levels of compensation available in Lakewood, further surpassing even the national median experienced licensed practical nurse salary, which stands at $68,071.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Lakewood earn between $94,432 and $105,039 per year (2026 est.). This $44,947 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lakewood median of $77,805 sits 14.3% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Lakewood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,805 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,432 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,039 | $88,196 |
In Lakewood, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 35.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Lakewood
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $77,805 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lakewood employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lakewood command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,432–$105,039 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lakewood metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Lakewood with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in New Jersey who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Lakewood
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLakewood ranks #6 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $105,039).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Lakewood ($105,039) is 17.59% above the New Jersey average P90 ($89,326).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,460
2025 BLS Actual
$99,375
2026 Current Est.
$105,039
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,033 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,972 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,984 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,027 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Lakewood saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $75,460 in 2019 to $99,375 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $111,027 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Lakewood
Highly specialized roles command premium salaries for experienced licensed practical nurses in Lakewood. Areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, hospice and palliative care, occupational health, and pediatric home care are particularly lucrative. Compensation varies significantly based on employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings generally providing higher pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Advancement paths also exist for those seeking leadership positions, including roles such as charge LPN, nursing supervisor, and MDS coordinator. Furthermore, pursuing advanced credentials, including IV therapy or wound care certification, can substantially enhance earnings. Non-salary compensation drivers, such as weekend differentials, holiday premiums, and leadership pay at skilled nursing facilities, further enhance the overall financial package for senior licensed practical nurses in NJ, making it an enticing field for career growth in the Lakewood area.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Lakewood in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Lakewood?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Lakewood?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Lakewood?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Lakewood?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $99,375 for licensed practical nurses in the Lakewood metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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