Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 13K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$80,220
$38.57/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+20.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $94K
13K employed in Massachusetts
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Massachusetts averages $80,220 annually, placing the state significantly above the national average at 20% higher. With approximately 13,210 LPNs employed across the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation in the healthcare field. Salaries typically range from $61,690 to $93,980 depending on experience and position type.
Several factors influence Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Massachusetts, including years of clinical experience, specialization, and employer type. Healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities often offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within Massachusetts, shift differentials for evening and night work, and additional certifications also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,690 |
| 25th percentile | $72,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,220 |
| 75th percentile | $84,570 |
| 90th percentile | $93,980 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,680 |
| 2023 | $73,380 |
| 2024 | $76,560 |
| 2025 | $80,220 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,055 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,680 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $73,380 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $76,560 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $80,220 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,055 | $69,931 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $72,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,220 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $93,980 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($80,220 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +431.7% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +382.6% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +344.1% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +268.4% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +255.6% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +245.9% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +239.4% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +175.7% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +171.4% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +126.4% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +99.2% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +89.1% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Massachusetts?
- Licensed practical nurses in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $80,220 per year, or $39 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 20.2% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Massachusetts spans from $61,690 at the lower end to $93,980 at the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and specialization.
Is Massachusetts a good state for licensed practical nurse salaries?
- Yes, Massachusetts offers one of the better LPN salaries in the country, with a median of $80,220 representing a 20.2% increase above the national average.
How many licensed practical nurses work in Massachusetts?
- There are 13,210 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Massachusetts, indicating a substantial job market for this nursing profession in the state.