Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Quincy, MA: $63,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Quincy, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,787 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,790 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,602) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of licensed practical nursing in Quincy, Massachusetts, the starting licensed practical nurse salary of approximately $63,787 in 2026 presents an encouraging entry point. While this figure is lower than the overall city median salary of $82,602, it still lays the foundation for a promising career with potential salary growth. In the first few years of practice, LPNs can expect to advance from the starting figure to about $75,256 within three to five years, thanks to the projected annual growth rate of 5.70%. Given Quincy’s current demand for healthcare professionals, this area appears to be a supportive market for newly minted LPNs seeking first-job opportunities, allowing them to adeptly build their experience while earning a competitive wage.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Quincy, MA typically start between $63,787 and $75,256 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,716 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,602 — 21.35% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 34.49% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($63,787/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $63,787 to $75,256, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $47,716 ( 74.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,787, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,503.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,930
2025 BLS Actual
$60,347
2026 Current Est.
$63,787
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,124 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,409 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,423 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,930 in 2019 to $60,347 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,423. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
When considering first employment opportunities in Quincy, skilled nursing facilities stand out as the primary employers for entry-level licensed practical nurses. They typically provide new employees with thorough on-the-job orientation, making it easier for recent graduates to acclimate to the workflow. Home health agencies also offer attractive options due to their flexible scheduling, while physician offices may seek candidates with specific clinical experience that aligns with their practice. To boost starting salaries in Massachusetts, obtaining a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and securing an active LPN/LVN license from the state board are essential steps. Additionally, pursuing optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further enhance a new grad's employability and salary potential. In the first three years, LPNs can realistically anticipate gradual salary increases as they acquire hands-on experience and consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge pathways, especially as the trends toward staffing models shift within healthcare settings.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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