Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $40.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in New Bedford, MA runs $40.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,880 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,325 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses in New Bedford, Massachusetts, earn a substantial median hourly rate of $40.32, significantly above the national median of $32.73. This competitive pay allows for meaningful earnings for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living centers. With an hourly range from $32.10 for entry-level positions up to $51.57 for experienced LPNs, professionals in this field can find a salary that reflects their skills and experience. Such rates, projected in 2026, derived from annual salary estimates, speak to the demand for LPNs in the region, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexible work schedules.
About the New Bedford 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) | $32.10 | $256.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.47 | $299.77 |
| Median (P50) | $40.32 | $322.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.24 | $377.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.57 | $412.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $40.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.32/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $83,875 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,389. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,612.98 | $6,990 | $83,875 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.79 | $4,194 | $50,325 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $645.19 | $2,796 | $33,550 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (New Bedford) | $40.32 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $83,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.22% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $83,297.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.32/hr = $50,325/year (purchasing power: $46,383).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,875/year (purchasing power: $77,304).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in New Bedford grew 38.4% from $27.56/hr (2019) to $38.15/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.62/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in New Bedford
For licensed practical nurses working part-time in New Bedford, a typical schedule of three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would equate to earnings that can surpass those of a full-time position, depending on shifts and overtime opportunities. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in New Bedford often ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, with agency positions in understaffed facilities pushing rates up to $45-$60 per hour. While skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies offer stability, they might not match the rates found in higher-demand environments like hospitals or correctional facilities. Many LPNs opt for positions with benefits, even at lower hourly rates, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits for a flexible lifestyle. Negotiating rates can be effective, particularly in environments where demand outstrips supply. Building a strong local network and understanding the specific needs of potential employers can enhance earning power in the dynamic landscape of practical nursing in New Bedford.
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
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 New Bedford. 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 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