Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $79,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $79,144/year (≈ $38.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,944 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the forecasted compensation for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is quite favorable, with a median salary of $79,144. This figure reflects a notable increase from national levels, as the median for LPNs across the United States is projected at $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in Chelmsford is also significant, with the 10th percentile earning $63,629 and the 90th percentile reaching $101,242. Such variations stem from differing practice settings; licensed practical nurses working in skilled nursing facilities tend to earn higher wages compared to their counterparts in home health or physician offices. These estimates are drawn from BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating a robust job market for LPNs in the area.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,629 | $30.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,717 | $35.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,144 | $38.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,449 | $44.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,242 | $48.67 |
Median Salary Position
16.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,613 (2026 est.). At $79,144, the local median is 16.27% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $79,144/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,222 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +16.27% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $79,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.27% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,144 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,944 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,204
2025 BLS Actual
$74,876
2026 Current Est.
$79,144
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,204 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,762 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,505 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,446 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,655 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $55,204 (2019) to $74,876 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,655 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,451 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $63,629 – $73,717 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,717 – $79,144 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,144 – $93,449 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,449 – $101,242 |
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 Chelmsford
The local healthcare job market in Chelmsford employs only eight licensed practical nurses, suggesting a tightly knit community of professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, LPNs in Chelmsford face enhanced living expenses that could affect their purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest salaries, particularly for those with specialized skills like IV therapy certification and experience in long-term care. Factors driving the income disparity in this area include shift differentials, charge LPN pay, and the added premiums for weekend or holiday shifts. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, seeking positions in skilled nursing or pursuing further certifications may prove advantageous within the Chelmsford market. Understanding the nuances of local pay structures can be key to enhancing overall earnings potential as a licensed practical nurse in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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 $74,876 for licensed practical nursesin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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