New Bedford vs Springfield: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between New Bedford, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,880▲ | $82,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.32▲ | $39.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,774▲ | $62,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,936▲ | $71,073 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,261▲ | $85,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,274▲ | $93,079 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 920▲ |
Verdict
New Bedford, MA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Springfield is $1,593 (1.94%). New Bedford's median is +23.22% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $40,500,Springfield spans $30,526. New Bedford 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 10.80% more than New Bedford ($77,309 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,880/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,274)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓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 New Bedford grew 38.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$57,320 (2019) → $79,357 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$57,040 (2019) → $77,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: New Bedford or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Springfield?
Should I relocate from New Bedford to Springfield as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in New Bedford 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