Middletown vs Trenton: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Middletown, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Middletown, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,224 | $158,930▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.63 | $76.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,293 | $131,744▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $141,318▲ | $137,185 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,074▲ | $167,465 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,204▲ | $183,024 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Middletown and Trenton is $3,706 (2.39%). Trenton's median is +16.12% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $72,911,Trenton spans $51,280. Middletown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($154,032 effective) pays 14.32% more than Middletown ($134,743 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,204)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($158,930/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,032)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Middletown grew -8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Middletown, NJ
$164,450 (2024) → $150,047 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$120,380 (2019) → $153,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Middletown or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Middletown to Trenton as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Middletown vs Trenton?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov