Statewide

• The starting salaries for licensed practical nurses in New Jersey were $44,160 per year or less across all industries as of May 2009, reports the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Entry-level LPNs employed in general health care, such as in hospitals and long-term care facilities, received starting salaries of $43,980 per year or less. Starting salaries in public health were $44,300 or less per year, while entry-level LPNs working in educational settings made $44,330 or less annually.
  
  

North

• Bergen, Hudson and Passaic Counties featured the second-highest annual rate of starting salaries for LPNs as of May 2009 at $47,330 per year or less, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Union, entry-level LPNs made $44,560 annually or less. Warren County had the lowest starting salaries for LPNs in northern New Jersey. Starting wages there were $42,560 annually or less, roughly 4 percent below the statewide rate.
  
  

Central

• With starting salaries at a maximum of $44,890 per year, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties had the highest wages for entry-level LPNs in central New Jersey as of May 2009, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. LPNs just entering the field in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties earned $44,270 annually or less, just $110 above the statewide rate. Starting salaries for LPNs in central New Jersey were lowest in Central County at $39,830 per year or less, the second-lowest entry-level wages statewide.
  
  

South

• Salem County served as the highest-paying area for entry-level LPNs statewide as of May 2009 with salaries at $48,030 or less annually, estimated the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Entry-level LPNs in Cape May County made $42,600 per yer or less. Those working in Cumberland County received $41,540 annually or less. With starting salaries at a maximum of $38,790 per year, Atlantic County was the lowest-paying area for entry-level LPNs in New Jersey.