Needham vs Springfield: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Needham, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Needham, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,805 | $82,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.33 | $39.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,729▲ | $62,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,497▲ | $71,073 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,976▲ | $85,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,688▲ | $93,079 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Needham.
The salary gap between Needham and Springfield is $482 (0.59%). 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 Needham spans $37,959,Springfield spans $30,526. Needham 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 13.61% more than Needham ($75,396 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Needham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,688)
- ✓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 Needham grew -0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Needham, MA
$77,821 (2024) → $77,394 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$57,040 (2019) → $77,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Needham, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Needham or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Needham and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Needham to Springfield as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Needham 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