Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Amherst, MA: $82,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Amherst, MA earns a median $82,503/year (≈ $39.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $76,040 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in Amherst, Massachusetts, reaches $82,503, notably surpassing the national median of $68,071 by a margin of 21.20%. The salary range reflects the varied demand and expertise in the field, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $63,053 and experienced LPNs earning as much as $101,274. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price parities. As Amherst maintains a commitment to quality long-term care, shift differentials and weekend premiums play critical roles in boosting overall compensation, making the job market appealing for those in this sector.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,053 | $30.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,194 | $38.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,503 | $39.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,818 | $45.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,274 | $48.69 |
Median Salary Position
21.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,221 (2026 est.). At $82,503, the local median is 21.2% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be above the median
How Amherst Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Amherst median: $82,503/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,252 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +21.20% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,503 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,040 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,547
2025 BLS Actual
$78,054
2026 Current Est.
$82,503
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,394 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,054 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,206 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,547 (2019) to $78,054 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,206 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,659 (51.54%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $63,053 – $79,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,194 – $82,503 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,503 – $94,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,818 – $101,274 |
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 Amherst
With only six licensed practical nurses currently employed in the area, the job market in Amherst is relatively niche but supportive, reflecting a cost-of-living index of 108.5. This higher index translates to a real consideration for take-home purchasing power, emphasizing the need for LPNs to focus on employers that tend to offer higher wages, such as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care institutions. The spread in pay can be attributed to various factors, including the type of setting; for instance, LPN roles in skilled nursing generally offer higher pay than those in home health or physician offices. To maximize their earning potential, LPNs in Amherst should aim to acquire certifications such as IV therapy, seek out opportunities for charge pay, and consider working during weekends or holidays, as these can significantly enhance their overall compensation.
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
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 $78,054 for licensed practical nursesin the Amherst 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 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