Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
New Jersey employs 17,410 LVNs, with a statewide median of $75,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)
- New Jersey median pay
- $75,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $63,210
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,980
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $85,400
- Employed in New Jersey
- 17,410
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major New Jersey markets:
- New York–Newark
- $75,910 (32,410 employed)
- Trenton–Princeton
- $75,380 (880 employed)
- Philadelphia
- $70,710 (15,920 employed)
- Atlantic City
- $69,150 (750 employed)
- Allentown–Bethlehem
- $64,050 (2,230 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey
Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,160 median is worth closer to $69,081 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)
New Jersey is projected to grow LVNs employment +13.1%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,530 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Jersey License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — New Jersey is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) — regulated by the New Jersey Board of Nursing (Division of Consumer Affairs).
- Complete a New Jersey Board of Nursing-approved practical nursing program (typically 12 months at a county college or hospital-based program).
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination through Pearson VUE. Apply through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs portal with a background check.
- New Jersey joined the NLC in November 2021 — eligible LPNs receive a multistate compact license, allowing practice in 40+ other compact states without additional applications. Renew biennially; 30 CE contact hours required per renewal cycle.
Official requirements: New Jersey Board of Nursing (Division of Consumer Affairs) →
Training in New Jersey
New Jersey county colleges with Board-approved LPN programs include Middlesex College, Ocean County College, Mercer County Community College, and Cumberland County College. The NLC multistate license is a significant advantage for NJ LPNs, especially for travel nursing or working across the NJ–NY or NJ–PA borders. NJ's high cost of living is offset by LPN wages that rank among the highest nationally.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:
- American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education — Certificate
- Atlantic Cape Community College — Certificate
- Berkeley College-Woodland Park — Certificate
- Best Care College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in New Jersey
Real New Jersey nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Bergen New Bridge Medical Center — Paramus
- Lincoln Park Care Center — Lincoln Park
- Sinai Post-Acute Nursing & Rehab Center — Newark
- Preakness Healthcare Center — Wayne
- Roosevelt Care Center — Edison
- New Vista Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr — Newark
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in New Jersey?
The median wage for LVNs in New Jersey is $75,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $63,210, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $85,400. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — New Jersey is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), overseen by the New Jersey Board of Nursing (Division of Consumer Affairs). Complete a New Jersey Board of Nursing-approved practical nursing program (typically 12 months at a county college or hospital-based program).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in New Jersey?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which New Jersey metros pay LVNs the most?
Among New Jersey metro areas, New York–Newark leads at $75,910, followed by Trenton–Princeton ($75,380), Philadelphia ($70,710). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey?
Real New Jersey options include American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education, Atlantic Cape Community College, Berkeley College-Woodland Park. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in New Jersey?
New Jersey projects LVNs employment to change +13.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,530 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the New Jersey Board of Nursing (Division of Consumer Affairs) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New Jersey wages · New Jersey licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.