Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $39.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Amherst, MA runs $39.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,503 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,507 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $39.67 in 2026, which significantly outpaces the national hourly median of $32.73. This lucrative rate affords LPNs in the area various employment flexibility options, such as part-time roles often comprising three 12-hour shifts weekly, totaling around 24 hours, aligning them with high-demand settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician's offices. For entry-level nurses, the hourly range starts at approximately $30.31, while experienced professionals can earn up to $48.69, reflecting the diverse settings in which they serve. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the growing demand for trained LPNs and the competitive nature of the healthcare job market in MA.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.31 | $242.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.07 | $304.59 |
| Median (P50) | $39.67 | $317.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.59 | $364.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.69 | $389.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $39.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.67/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $82,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,603. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.77 | $6,876 | $82,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.06 | $4,126 | $49,507 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.71 | $2,750 | $33,005 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Amherst) | $39.67 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Amherst, MA earn a median of $82,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,252.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.67/hr = $49,507/year (purchasing power: $45,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,512/year (purchasing power: $76,048).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Amherst grew 35.6% from $27.67/hr (2019) to $37.53/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.93/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Amherst
Part-time licensed practical nurses in Amherst can expect to take home a substantial income compared to full-time counterparts, providing financial viability for those who desire flexibility in their work-life balance. Typically, a part-time LPN enjoys a favorable annual remuneration, but the reality of per diem or contract work varies—it’s common for per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Amherst to range from $28 to $42 per hour, while some agency LPNs may command up to $60 in critical staffing situations. Different employer types influence these rates significantly; skilled nursing facilities and long-term care often pay less than acute-care hospitals and home health agencies, which may provide added benefits. Many licensed practical nurses in the area navigate trade-offs like health insurance and paid time off versus a higher hourly rate without benefits. Effective negotiation skills can play a vital role in securing better pay, especially in light of Amherst’s developing healthcare landscape where LPNs continue to be an essential part of the workforce.
More salary data for Amherst, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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