Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Andover, MA: $63,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,261 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,833) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Andover, Massachusetts, the starting licensed practical nurse salary is projected at approximately $63,213 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay, indicating that early-career LPNs may expect to earn less than the city median salary of $78,833 by a significant margin. However, there is a clear growth trajectory, as many new professionals can realistically aim for salary increases as they move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $73,059. Given the robust healthcare environment in Andover, it’s a promising market for entry-level positions, allowing new graduates to build their experience while receiving competitive pay.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Andover, MA typically start between $63,213 and $73,059 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,254 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,833 — 15.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 34.80% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($63,213/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $63,213 to $73,059, 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 Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $34,254 ( 54.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,467.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,553
2025 BLS Actual
$59,804
2026 Current Est.
$63,213
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,667 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,682 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,816 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,553 in 2019 to $59,804 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,816. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Several employers in Andover actively recruit newly licensed practical nurses, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide on-the-job training and orientation for fresh graduates. Home health agencies are appealing to many new nurses because they typically offer flexible hours, making it convenient for those just starting out. To enhance their marketability and pay rates, graduates should ensure they have the appropriate credentials, including an active LPN/LVN license and completion of a 12-18 month practical nursing program. Obtaining additional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can also be advantageous. During the first three years in the field, new LPNs can expect manageable salary growth as they gain experience, with many considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs to expand their scope of practice, particularly in a market that increasingly favors registered nurses over practical nurses in acute care settings.
More salary data for Andover, 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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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