Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Amherst Town, MA: $70,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Amherst Town, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,047 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Amherst Town's local price level (BEA RPP 100.2 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,877 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,531) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates stepping into roles as licensed practical nurses in Amherst Town, Massachusetts, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary is projected to start at approximately $70,047 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $82,531, which indicates a substantial gap in earnings that will likely close as new LPNs gain experience in the field. Over the first three to five years, starting salaries are expected to grow from this entry point to around $77,605 in the 25th percentile, eventually aligning more closely with the median salary as professionals acquire skills and insights in the nursing environment. Given this landscape, Amherst Town presents a promising market for fresh graduates, with competitive starting pay and opportunities for upward mobility within the profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Amherst Town
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst Town
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Amherst Town, MA typically start between $70,047 and $77,605 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,257 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,531 — 21.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 31.41% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($70,047/year) in Amherst Town. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Amherst Town
- 1Research the Amherst Town market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $70,047 to $77,605, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Amherst Town, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Amherst Town for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Amherst Town's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Amherst Town is $21,257 ( 30.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,047, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,304.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,045
2025 BLS Actual
$66,270
2026 Current Est.
$70,047
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Amherst Town (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,045 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,847 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,040 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Amherst Town, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,045 in 2019 to $66,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,040. New graduates entering the Amherst Town job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst Town metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Amherst Town
Employers in Amherst Town that commonly recruit new licensed practical nurse graduates include skilled nursing facilities, which tend to provide substantial on-the-job orientation. These facilities often offer a stable work environment that is ideal for newly minted LPNs. Additionally, home health agencies present another avenue, as they usually feature flexible scheduling that can accommodate various personal commitments. In contrast, physician offices may prefer candidates with specific clinic exposure, potentially putting new graduates at a disadvantage unless they gain relevant experience during their training. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, prospective LPNs should ensure they possess an active LPN/LVN license, complete an accredited practical nursing diploma, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Pursuing optional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further bolster a new grad's profile. Looking ahead, LPNs can realistically expect to see their salaries increase as they navigate the workforce, with a typical trajectory leading many towards LPN-to-RN bridge programs, particularly since long-term care facilities employ a substantial portion of LPNs nationally.
More salary data for Amherst Town, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Amherst Town. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov