Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hamilton, NJ: $76,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Hamilton, NJ earns a median $76,220/year (≈ $36.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Hamilton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,163 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Hamilton, NJ, is projected at a median of $76,220, which marks a significant increase compared to the national median salary of $68,071. With a salary range that spans from $59,899 at the 10th percentile to $97,809 at the 90th percentile, there are various earning opportunities depending on the nursing environment. As Hamilton's job market hosts positions across skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics, pay structures can vary significantly. Nurses opting for skilled nursing roles generally enjoy higher compensation compared to those in home health settings or physician's offices, resulting in diverse career paths for practical nurses in the city.
About the Hamilton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,899 | $28.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,089 | $33.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,220 | $36.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,930 | $43.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,809 | $47.03 |
Median Salary Position
11.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hamilton
In Hamilton, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,910 (2026 est.). At $76,220, the local median is 11.97% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hamilton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hamilton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Hamilton median: $76,220/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hamilton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,416 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +11.97% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hamilton, NJ earn a median of $76,220 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.97% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $78,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hamilton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hamilton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,220 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,163 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,164
2025 BLS Actual
$72,110
2026 Current Est.
$76,220
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,665 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,825 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,565 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hamilton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,164 (2019) to $72,110 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,565 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,401 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamilton 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) | $59,899 – $70,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,089 – $76,220 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,220 – $89,930 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,930 – $97,809 |
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 Hamilton
The local job market for licensed practical nurses in Hamilton is relatively stable, with 21 LPNs employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 115.2, which means that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay may be eroded by higher living expenses. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most lucrative positions, thanks to the demand for long-term care services, while shifts involving weekends or holidays can yield additional pay. Factors influencing the salary range include the work setting, shift differentials, and the presence of certifications, like IV therapy. To maximize their earnings, LPNs in Hamilton should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as long-term care or pursuing opportunities in facilities that offer robust benefits and stipends for additional skills.
More salary data for Hamilton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Hamilton, NJ in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Hamilton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Hamilton?
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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 $72,110 for licensed practical nursesin the Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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