Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in New Bedford, MA: $66,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,774 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,543 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,880) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of licensed practical nursing in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect starting salaries around $66,774. This entry-level pay indicates a significant gap when compared to the city median annual salary of $83,880, suggesting room for growth as professionals gain experience. Over the first few years, LPNs can anticipate a steady rise in earnings, bridging the gap towards the 25th percentile salary of $77,936. Given the projected 5.70% annual growth rate, the New Bedford market offers promising opportunities for new licensed practical nurses entering the workforce, making it a viable location for early-career professionals.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in New Bedford, MA typically start between $66,774 and $77,936 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,500 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,880 — 23.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 32.95% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($66,774/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $66,774 to $77,936, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $40,500 ( 60.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,774, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,274.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,270
2025 BLS Actual
$63,173
2026 Current Est.
$66,774
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,284 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,580 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 39.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,270 in 2019 to $63,173 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,580. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Employers in New Bedford actively seek new LPN graduates, particularly from skilled nursing facilities, as these typically provide comprehensive on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies are particularly appealing for new grads, offering flexible scheduling options, while physician offices often prefer candidates with specific clinical experience to fit their needs. Aspiring LPNs should ensure they hold an active LPN/LVN license and complete a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an approved program, along with passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Adding credentials, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, can enhance earning potential in this region. For those strategically looking to advance within their first few years, the pathway may often lead toward LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially since long-term care consistently employs a substantial number of LPNs, making it vital to stay informed about state-specific scopes of practice that can affect job responsibilities and opportunities.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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