Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Salem, NH: $71,277 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Salem, NH earns a median $71,277/year (≈ $34.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Salem's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $66,428 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the licensed practical nurse salary in 2026 is projected to be around $71,277 annually, positioning it above the national median of $68,071. The pay range reflects varying levels of experience and settings, with figures spanning from $54,718 at the 10th percentile to $87,693 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local price parities, highlight the importance of workplace choices. LPNs in facilities such as skilled nursing and long-term care tend to earn more than those in home health or outpatient settings, making the nature of their practice a significant factor in compensation.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,718 | $26.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,326 | $30.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,277 | $34.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,200 | $39.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,693 | $42.16 |
Median Salary Position
4.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, NH, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,975 (2026 est.). At $71,277, the local median is 4.71% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Salem median: $71,277/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $73,029 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +4.71% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Salem, NH earn a median of $71,277 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $73,029.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,277 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,428 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,716
2025 BLS Actual
$67,433
2026 Current Est.
$71,277
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,192 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,543 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,433 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,277 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,339 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,716 (2019) to $67,433 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,339 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,623 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $54,718 – $64,326 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,326 – $71,277 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,277 – $82,200 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,200 – $87,693 |
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 Salem
The local job market in Salem currently employs eight licensed practical nurses, indicating a small but steady demand within the healthcare sector. Given Salem's cost-of-living index of 107.3, LPNs may find that their take-home pay is affected by local purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities generally offer higher wages compared to employers in home health or physician offices. The compensation spread across the pay spectrum can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, special certifications like IV therapy, and additional pay for weekend or holiday shifts in long-term care environments. To maximize their earnings, LPNs in Salem should consider pursuing further education, such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs, and seek employment in settings known for higher pay scales. Such strategies can significantly enhance their career stability and financial well-being in this competitive sector.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
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 $67,433 for licensed practical nursesin the Salem 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 Salem 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