Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Billerica, MA: $60,961 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,961 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,185 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,630) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Billerica, Massachusetts, starting at $60,961 for 2026, new graduates can realistically anticipate a successful pathway in their early careers. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $80,630, indicating a gap that underscores the importance of continuous skill development and networking initially. As LPNs establish their careers, they can expect salary growth that aligns with increasing experience and responsibilities, moving toward the P25 level of $76,908 within the first few years. Given the competitive market and estimated annual growth rate of 5.70%, Billerica presents a viable opportunity for new entrants into the practical nursing profession, especially compared to regional and national trends.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
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 Billerica
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Billerica, MA typically start between $60,961 and $76,908 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,206 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,630 — 18.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 36.09% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($60,961/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $60,961 to $76,908, 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 Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica'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 Billerica is $42,206 ( 69.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,961, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,167.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,073
2025 BLS Actual
$57,674
2026 Current Est.
$60,961
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,073 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,949 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,955 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,961 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,436 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,073 in 2019 to $57,674 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,436. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
In Billerica, a variety of employers actively seek out new graduate licensed practical nurses, with skilled nursing facilities often leading the charge by providing structured on-the-job training for recent graduates. Home health agencies are another essential venue, attracting LPNs with promises of flexible scheduling. Conversely, physician offices may prioritize applicants who have specific clinic experience. To enhance their starting pay in Massachusetts, aspiring nurses should maintain an active LPN/LVN license, pursue a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Considering the landscape—where long-term care employs about 35% of LPNs nationally, while many hospitals favor RNs over LPNs—new graduates must think strategically about their first few years. Exploring options like LPN-to-RN bridge programs can significantly impact career trajectory and income potential, promoting a path toward higher earnings and expanded responsibilities.
More salary data for Billerica, 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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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