Atlantic City vs Lakewood: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,275 | $156,436▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.29 | $75.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,364 | $119,844▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,240 | $138,773▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,896 | $190,475▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,382 | $214,820▲ |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Lakewood, NJ offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Lakewood is $8,161 (5.50%). Lakewood's median is +14.30% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $65,018,Lakewood spans $94,976. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($149,989 effective) pays 10.45% more than Lakewood ($135,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,989)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,436/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,820)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Atlantic City grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.8% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$118,130 (2019) → $143,330 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$165,734 (2024) → $151,219 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Atlantic City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Lakewood as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Atlantic City vs Lakewood?
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