Springfield vs Watertown: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Springfield, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,287▲ | $82,181 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.56▲ | $39.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,553 | $64,737▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,073 | $78,483▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,046 | $94,059▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,079 | $100,242▲ |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Springfield and Watertown is $106 (0.13%). 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 Springfield spans $30,526,Watertown spans $35,505. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($85,661 effective) pays 13.09% more than Watertown ($75,743 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,242)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Springfield grew 36.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$57,040 (2019) → $77,850 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$78,178 (2024) → $77,749 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Watertown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Springfield or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Watertown as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Springfield vs Watertown?
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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