Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $81,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Dartmouth, MA earns a median $81,101/year (≈ $38.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Dartmouth's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $74,747 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dartmouth, MA, the potential earnings for licensed practical nurses are robust, with a projected median annual salary of $81,101 in 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the national average of $68,071, indicating competitive compensation in the local market. The salary range for LPNs in the area spans from $62,100 at the 10th percentile to $104,489 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a substantial disparity based on experience, skill set, and workplace setting. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, taking into account regional price parities that reflect the cost of living in Dartmouth. The state's LPN scope of practice, which includes IV therapy and patient assessment, also plays a critical role in shaping salary expectations, as these competencies can lead to higher earning potential.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,100 | $29.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,994 | $35.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,101 | $38.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,459 | $46.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,489 | $50.24 |
Median Salary Position
19.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,389 (2026 est.). At $81,101, the local median is 19.14% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dartmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dartmouth Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Dartmouth median: $81,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dartmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,266 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +19.14% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $81,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.14% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,266.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dartmouth has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dartmouth, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,101 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,747 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,569
2025 BLS Actual
$76,728
2026 Current Est.
$81,101
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,569 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,724 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dartmouth metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $56,569 (2019) to $76,728 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,724 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,155 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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) | $62,100 – $72,994 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,994 – $81,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,101 – $96,459 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,459 – $104,489 |
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 Dartmouth
The job market in Dartmouth includes only five licensed practical nurses, which implies a relatively small workforce and potential demand for qualified professionals. The local cost-of-living index sits at 108.5, slightly above the national average, which may affect the real purchasing power of LPNs in the area. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by hospitals and assisted living communities due to weekend and holiday premiums and the demand for certifications such as IV therapy. The pay range is often narrowed by factors like workplace setting, with skilled nursing offering more to attract experienced staff than home health agencies or physician offices. For LPNs looking to maximize their earnings in Dartmouth, pursuing further certifications and seeking opportunities in high-paying environments will be vital steps in enhancing their career trajectory.
More salary data for Dartmouth, 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 $76,728 for licensed practical nursesin the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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