Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Union City, NJ: $37.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Union City, NJ runs $37.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,339 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,407 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Union City, New Jersey, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay reaches a median of $37.19, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This elevated hourly rate allows for a viable income for both part-time nurses working three days a week and those engaged in per-diem positions, prevalent in settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices. Entry-level LPNs usually earn around $30.11 per hour, while top earners can command up to $48.89 per hour. Such financial figures reflect estimated hourly rates derived from annual salaries, providing an encouraging outlook for those considering this career path in Union City, where a combination of workplace settings requires adaptability and expertise.
About the Union City 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) | $30.11 | $240.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.83 | $278.63 |
| Median (P50) | $37.19 | $297.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.49 | $355.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.89 | $391.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $37.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.19/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $77,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,622. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.41 | $6,445 | $77,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.45 | $3,867 | $46,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.96 | $2,578 | $30,938 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Union City) | $37.19 |
| 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 Union City, NJ earn a median of $77,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.62% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $78,437.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.19/hr = $46,407/year (purchasing power: $40,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,345/year (purchasing power: $67,140).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Union City grew 35.6% from $25.94/hr (2019) to $35.18/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.30/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 Union City 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 Union City
Examining the earning potential for part-time licensed practical nurses in Union City reveals an interesting dynamic. A full-time LPN may take home significantly more annually compared to part-timers, yet those working 24 hours a week can still secure a respectable income. For per diem licensed practical nurses, billing rates typically range from $28 to $42 per hour, while agency work during staffing shortages can push earnings to $45 to $60 per hour. These variations often stem from the differences across employer types, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. Health insurance benefits may complicate decisions for some LPNs, as higher hourly pay without benefits can entice, yet stability often lies with employers offering comprehensive packages. When negotiating hourly pay in Union City, LPNs should emphasize their skill set and adaptability, navigating between benefits and pay rates to find the best fit for their professional needs.
More salary data for Union City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Union City in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Union City?
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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