Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$71,180

trending_up +14.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering

15,210

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$375

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Jersey, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the New Jersey Board of Nursing. A criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old. New Jersey is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice in New Jersey.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $60,110

25th percentile $64,590

50th (median) $71,180

75th percentile $77,270

90th (experienced) $79,980

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Jersey. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist New Jersey requirements

Licensing body	New Jersey Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$175
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. A criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, is required. CE must include 1 hour on opioid prescription. New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state to practice in New Jersey. New Jersey residents can apply for a multistate license.

Source: New Jersey Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleNew Jersey license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey? expand_more

In New Jersey, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($175 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey? expand_more

New Jersey mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. New Jersey Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in New Jersey? expand_more

licensed practical nurses in New Jersey earn a median of $71,180 annually. — 14% higher than the $62,340 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $60,110, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $79,980.

How expensive is licensed practical nurse licensing in New Jersey? expand_more

Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($175), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey? expand_more

In New Jersey, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey? expand_more

Yes — licensed practical nurses in New Jersey must complete 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.