Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Needham, MA: $81,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Needham, MA earns a median $81,805/year (≈ $39.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Needham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,396 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Needham, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $81,805, which is significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. With a salary range extending from $63,729 at the 10th percentile to $101,688 at the 90th percentile, this profession offers a competitive compensation package within the region. These figures are reflective of local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional cost-of-living factors, underscoring how advantageous it can be to work in Needham, especially considering workforce demands in the healthcare sector. As the aging population grows, the local job market for practical nurses is likely to see increased opportunities, especially in long-term care settings where the need for skilled personnel continues to rise.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,729 | $30.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,497 | $35.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,805 | $39.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,976 | $45.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,688 | $48.89 |
Median Salary Position
20.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
In Needham, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,959 (2026 est.). At $81,805, the local median is 20.18% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Needham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Needham Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Needham median: $81,805/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Needham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,220 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.18% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Needham, MA earn a median of $81,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.18% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,220.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Needham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Needham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,805 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,396 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,060
2025 BLS Actual
$77,394
2026 Current Est.
$81,805
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,769 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,782 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,468 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Needham metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,060 (2019) to $77,394 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,468 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,408 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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) | $63,729 – $74,497 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,497 – $81,805 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,805 – $94,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,976 – $101,688 |
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 Needham
The local job environment in Needham sees about six licensed practical nurses currently employed, reflecting a tighter market that can influence salaries. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, LPNs may find their purchasing power affected, making it essential to consider compensation alongside living expenses. Leading employers in the area, such as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers, often offer higher pay due to their reliance on LPNs for patient care. The disparity in wages can often be attributed to factors like work setting, shift differentials, and weekend premiums, which are especially prevalent in long-term care. If you aim to maximize your licensed practical nurse pay in Needham, seeking opportunities in higher-paying facilities and obtaining relevant certifications, such as IV therapy, can significantly enhance your market value and earning potential.
More salary data for Needham, 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 $77,394 for licensed practical nursesin the Needham 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 Needham 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