Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Nashua, NH: $60,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Nashua, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,532 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nashua's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,414 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,997) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Nashua, New Hampshire can expect a starting salary of approximately $60,532 in 2026. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary of $80,997, it reflects a positive growth trajectory as entry-level LPNs can anticipate potential rises in pay over their first few years. As they gain experience, many can progress to approximately $72,079, the 25th percentile salary, within the initial 3-5 years. Given the current healthcare environment, Nashua presents a favorable job market for new LPN graduates, offering ample opportunities to build skills and advance within the profession, especially in a region where nursing demand remains strong.
About the Nashua Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nashua
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 Nashua
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Nashua, NH typically start between $60,532 and $72,079 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,370 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,997 — 18.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New Hampshire of $18,000 represents just 29.74% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($60,532/year) in Nashua. 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 Nashua
- 1Research the Nashua market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $60,532 to $72,079, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Nashua, 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 Nashua for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nashua'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 Nashua is $42,370 ( 70.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,532, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,902.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,791
2025 BLS Actual
$57,268
2026 Current Est.
$60,532
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Nashua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,953 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,773 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,582 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,268 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,983 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Nashua, NH grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,791 in 2019 to $57,268 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,983. New graduates entering the Nashua job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashua 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 Nashua
In Nashua, entry-level LPNs find employment primarily with skilled nursing facilities, where on-the-job orientation helps smooth the transition for new grads. Home health agencies are also attractive, allowing for flexible scheduling that can benefit fresh graduates seeking work-life balance. Physician’s offices may consider candidates with specific clinic experience, offering further options for young professionals. Pursuing credentials—such as an active LPN/LVN license, a diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN—enhances starting pay in New Hampshire. Additionally, optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can set new nurses apart in a competitive job market. For those considering a career path, LPNs should evaluate LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially as they navigate their first three years in the field, which allow for greater responsibilities and increased earning potential. With Nashua housing a diverse healthcare landscape, early-career salary growth appears promising as new LPNs establish themselves in the workforce.
More salary data for Nashua, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Nashua in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Nashua?
Is nursing school worth it in Nashua?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Nashua?
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Related Pages
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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 Nashua. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nashua 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