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
Reciprocity	New Jersey is an NLC state; LPNs with a multistate license can practice directly.Reciprocal states: New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with an active, unencumbered multistate license from another NLC state may practice in New Jersey. New Jersey residents who meet the requirements can apply for a multistate license.
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

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New Jersey? See whether New Jersey recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.

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.

arrow_forward

Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head

See all comparisons →

Considering a Licensed Practical Nurse vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.

vs Certified Nursing Assistant

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

vs Medical Assistant

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

vs Pharmacy Technician

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

vs Respiratory Therapist

Pay, time, licensing compared

arrow_forward

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.