Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Augusta, ME: $63,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Augusta, ME earns a median $63,932/year (≈ $30.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $64,189 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, Maine, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $63,932 in 2026. This amount falls somewhat below the national median of $68,071, reflecting regional employment conditions and cost structures. Licensed practical nurses in Augusta can expect salaries ranging from $53,857 at the 10th percentile to $79,849 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied pay scale that corresponds to the type of employment setting. Those working in skilled nursing facilities typically command higher wages than their counterparts in home health or physician offices, highlighting the pay implications of career choice within the nursing sector. With recent data derived from state-level BLS estimates and regional price adjustments, Augusta's job market presents distinct opportunities for practical nurses looking to advance their careers while navigating systemic shifts in the healthcare landscape.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($57,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,857 | $25.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,883 | $29.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,932 | $30.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,680 | $35.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,849 | $38.39 |
Median Salary Position
6.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, ME, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,992 (2026 est.). At $63,932, the local median is 6.08% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Augusta median: $63,932/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $67,796 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.08% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Augusta, ME earn a median of $63,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $67,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $63,932 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,189 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,593
2025 BLS Actual
$60,484
2026 Current Est.
$63,932
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,593 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,851 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,299 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,484 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,576 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,593 (2019) to $60,484 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,576 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,983 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,857 – $60,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,883 – $63,932 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,932 – $74,680 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,680 – $79,849 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Augusta
The local job market for licensed practical nurses in Augusta appears to be stable, with only four LPNs currently employed in the area. This limited workforce may lead to increasing demand, particularly as the cost of living index is notably low at 99.6, which can positively impact take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer the highest compensation, while home health agencies and physician offices follow with comparatively lower salaries. Several factors contribute to the wage disparity, including work settings, shift differentials, additional certification stipends such as for IV therapy, and premiums for weekend or holiday shifts in long-term care environments. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential, pursuing additional certifications, exploring opportunities in higher-paying facilities, and considering shifts with added responsibilities can be very strategic in this Augusta market.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,484 for licensed practical nursesin the Augusta metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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