Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Clifton, NJ: $76,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Clifton, NJ earns a median $76,965/year (≈ $37.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Clifton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,810 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Clifton, New Jersey, can expect a noteworthy median annual salary of $76,965, which is approximately 13.07% higher than the national median of $68,071 for this profession. Salaries in this field can range from $61,746 at the 10th percentile to as much as $103,260 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities that LPNs undertake in the healthcare sector. The state's scope of practice allows LPNs to perform IV therapy and comprehensive assessments, which can elevate their earning potential compared to other regions with more restrictive regulations. These local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional costs, indicating favorable compensation opportunities which can be reflective of Clifton’s diverse healthcare employment environment.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,746 | $29.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,660 | $34.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,965 | $37.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,711 | $42.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,260 | $49.65 |
Median Salary Position
13.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton
In Clifton, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,514 (2026 est.). At $76,965, the local median is 13.07% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clifton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clifton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Clifton median: $76,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clifton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,456 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +13.07% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $76,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $78,456.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clifton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clifton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,965 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,810 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,684
2025 BLS Actual
$72,815
2026 Current Est.
$76,965
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,199 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,535 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,494 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,352 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clifton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,684 (2019) to $72,815 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,352 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,668 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,746 – $71,660 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,660 – $76,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,965 – $88,711 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,711 – $103,260 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Clifton
With only 14 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Clifton, this small cohort suggests a competitive job market where specific facilities may dominate the hiring landscape. The cost of living index in Clifton sits at 115.2, indicating that purchasing power may be somewhat constrained despite competitive salaries. Among the various employers in the area, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay, followed closely by hospitals and home health agencies. Factors contributing to the wage spread include the setting of employment—long-term care generally pays more than physician offices—along with shift differentials, special stipends for IV therapy certification, and premiums for weekend or holiday shifts. For LPNs looking to maximize their compensation in Clifton, seeking positions in higher-paying facilities, pursuing additional certifications, and being open to flexible shifts can prove beneficial.
More salary data for Clifton, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,815 for licensed practical nursesin the Clifton metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clifton 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