Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $82,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Fitchburg, MA earns a median $82,115/year (≈ $39.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Fitchburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,682 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fitchburg, Massachusetts, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect a competitive median annual salary of $82,115 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $68,071 for the same year. The salary range for LPNs in this region spans from $64,576 at the 10th percentile to $102,736 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity of roles and shifts available in the healthcare sector. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account local cost adjustments that result from Fitchburg's cost of living index of 108.5. With a marked demand for nursing professionals in various settings, the job market in Fitchburg offers opportunities that justify these higher salary expectations, particularly when factoring in additional incentives like shift differentials and weekend pay premiums that are prevalent in long-term care roles.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,576 | $31.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,163 | $36.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,115 | $39.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,801 | $46.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,736 | $49.39 |
Median Salary Position
20.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fitchburg
In Fitchburg, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,160 (2026 est.). At $82,115, the local median is 20.63% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fitchburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fitchburg Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Fitchburg median: $82,115/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fitchburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,281 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.63% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $82,115 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.63% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,281.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fitchburg has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fitchburg, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,115 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,682 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,276
2025 BLS Actual
$77,687
2026 Current Est.
$82,115
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,276 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,988 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,889 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,117 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,687 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fitchburg metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,276 (2019) to $77,687 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,520 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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) | $64,576 – $75,163 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,163 – $82,115 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,115 – $95,801 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,801 – $102,736 |
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 Fitchburg
Analyzing the local employment context, Fitchburg currently has about 10 licensed practical nurses actively working in the area. While this may seem modest, competition for qualified LPNs remains robust, driven by a range of employers including skilled nursing facilities and extensive long-term care options, which typically offer the highest wages. The area’s cost-of-living index of 108.5 underscores the importance of maximizing take-home pay to maintain purchasing power. Those seeking to elevate their licensed practical nurse pay in Fitchburg, MA, should consider targeting positions in skilled nursing facilities, as they often provide additional compensation for shift differentials and specialized certifications like IV therapy. Moreover, taking on shifts during weekends or holidays can significantly boost overall earnings. Exploring LPN-to-RN bridge programs can also enhance career advancement and salary potential, ensuring that practical nurses are well-positioned in a growing and evolving job market.
More salary data for Fitchburg, 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 $77,687 for licensed practical nursesin the Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg 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