Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $37.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Paterson, NJ runs $37.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, New Jersey, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected at $37.67 for 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This competitive rate underscores the city's strong demand for nursing professionals across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, physician offices, and assisted living medication rooms. For part-time workers committing to a typical three-day workweek, this hourly wage translates into a solid income, making it a viable option for those balancing multiple responsibilities or seeking flexible schedules. The hourly range for licensed practical nurses in Paterson extends from approximately $29.51 for entry-level positions to about $50.00 for those in senior roles or specialized settings. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, capturing the diverse experiences LPNs may encounter in their respective roles.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.51 | $236.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.64 | $277.10 |
| Median (P50) | $37.67 | $301.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.04 | $368.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.00 | $399.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $37.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.67/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,206. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,506.86 | $6,530 | $78,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $904.12 | $3,918 | $47,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $602.74 | $2,612 | $31,343 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Paterson) | $37.67 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $78,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $78,441.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.67/hr = $47,014/year (purchasing power: $40,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,357/year (purchasing power: $68,018).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Paterson grew 35.6% from $26.28/hr (2019) to $35.64/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Paterson
For part-time licensed practical nurses working 24 hours a week, the financial outlook is promising, with an annual take-home potential considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts yet still lucrative within the context of agency work and gig opportunities. While part-time LPNs may earn about $46,446 annually within their limited hours, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Paterson often ranges from $28-$42, with specialized agency LPNs in high-demand settings potentially earning up to $60 per hour. Various employer types influence pay structures as well; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally offer competitive hourly rates, while hospitals may fluctuate based on current staffing needs. However, many nurses must consider the trade-off between accepting higher hourly wages without benefits or opting for lower hourly pay that includes health insurance and retirement options. Negotiating these terms effectively is vital for LPNs seeking to optimize their hourly earnings in the Paterson market.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Paterson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paterson 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