Arlington vs Springfield: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Arlington, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,019 | $82,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.44 | $39.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,339▲ | $62,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,956▲ | $71,073 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,449▲ | $85,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,726▲ | $93,079 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Springfield is $268 (0.33%). Springfield's median is +20.88% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $35,387,Springfield spans $30,526. Arlington 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, Springfield ($85,661 effective) pays 13.32% more than Arlington ($75,594 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,726)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,287/year)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,661)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Arlington grew -0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$78,024 (2024) → $77,596 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$57,040 (2019) → $77,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Arlington or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Springfield as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Arlington vs Springfield?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov