Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $38.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Salem, MA runs $38.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,135 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected at $38.57 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $32.73. This attractive hourly rate reflects the demand for LPNs in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospices. For those opting to work part-time, such as a three-day workweek, this pay translates into a robust income relative to many other professions. The hourly earnings range from $31.98 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $50.24 for more experienced LPNs, showcasing a rewarding career path where both entry-level and seasoned nurses can find competitive compensation.
About the Salem 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) | $31.98 | $255.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.56 | $292.49 |
| Median (P50) | $38.57 | $308.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.90 | $351.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.24 | $401.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $38.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.57/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,225 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,284. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,542.80 | $6,685 | $80,225 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $925.68 | $4,011 | $48,135 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.12 | $2,674 | $32,090 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Salem) | $38.57 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $80,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.85% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,219.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.57/hr = $48,135/year (purchasing power: $44,364).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,225/year (purchasing power: $73,941).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Salem grew 35.6% from $26.90/hr (2019) to $36.49/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.77/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 Salem 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 Salem
Part-time licensed practical nurses working in Salem who share their time across three days a week can expect to take home an annual income that mirrors the flexibility of their schedules. For example, an LPN working 24 hours a week would earn about $48,000 annually, offering a viable option for those prioritizing work-life balance. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Salem typically hovers between $28 and $42 per hour, but agency positions in understaffed facilities can push earnings to $45-$60 per hour. The varying hourly rates across employer types create a unique landscape; while skilled nursing and home health may offer consistent employment, the pay rate can fluctuate significantly in facilities like hospitals or correctional institutions. Some LPNs may choose positions with lower hourly pay for comprehensive health benefits, while others negotiate for higher hourly wages without additional perks. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Salem's healthcare environment, it's advisable to research various employer offerings and consider where trade-offs might align with their personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Salem in 2026?
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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
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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