Waltham vs Worcester: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Waltham, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Waltham, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,019 | $83,566▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.95 | $40.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,898 | $67,151▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,610 | $78,028▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,419▲ | $86,621 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,369▲ | $102,730 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 2,030▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Waltham and Worcester is $2,547 (3.14%). Worcester's median is +22.76% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Waltham spans $40,471,Worcester spans $35,579. Waltham 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, Worcester ($81,510 effective) pays 9.16% more than Waltham ($74,672 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,369)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,566/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,510)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Waltham grew -0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Waltham, MA
$77,074 (2024) → $76,650 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$56,490 (2019) → $79,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waltham, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Waltham or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Waltham and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Waltham to Worcester as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Waltham vs Worcester?
Related Comparisons
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