Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in South Brunswick, NJ: $36.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in South Brunswick, NJ runs $36.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,829 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against South Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses in South Brunswick, NJ, earn a competitive median hourly rate of $36.94, which is significantly above the national average of $32.73. This difference can enhance the financial appeal for part-time and per-diem workers in various clinical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. For those employed part-time, working three days a week can yield substantial weekly earnings, while per-diem LPNs may find their pay fluctuating between entry-level rates of $28.63 and higher earnings that can reach $48.09, depending on their experience and the demand in specific healthcare environments. Such hourly rates are aligned with the projected salary estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, emphasizing the value and demand for licensed practical nurses in the local healthcare sector.
About the South Brunswick 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) | $28.63 | $229.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.51 | $268.06 |
| Median (P50) | $36.94 | $295.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.95 | $335.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.09 | $384.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Brunswick
Based on $36.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.94/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,331. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,477.69 | $6,403 | $76,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $886.61 | $3,842 | $46,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.07 | $2,561 | $30,736 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (South Brunswick) | $36.94 |
| 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 South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $76,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $78,397.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.94/hr = $46,104/year (purchasing power: $40,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,840/year (purchasing power: $66,701).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in South Brunswick grew 35.6% from $25.77/hr (2019) to $34.95/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.05/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 South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick
The earning potential for licensed practical nurses working part-time in South Brunswick reveals interesting insights. For a 24-hour workweek, these professionals might take home a comfortable amount in relation to full-time wages, but the variation in per-diem and agency pay reflects a broader dynamic. Per-diem LPNs often charge $28-$42/hour, which might not seem competitive at first glance, but agency positions in understaffed facilities can command rates as high as $45-$60/hour, enabling greater financial rewards in some situations. Hourly rates not only differ based on location but also by employer type. For instance, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies might offer different pay structures than hospitals or hospice care. Therefore, some licensed practical nurses may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without such perks. Negotiating these factors effectively is key for LPNs seeking to maximize their hourly earnings in South Brunswick.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in South Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in South Brunswick?
Are licensed practical nurses in South Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in South Brunswick?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in South Brunswick?
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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 South Brunswick. 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 South Brunswick 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