Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Amherst Town, MA: $91,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Amherst Town, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $91,304/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Amherst Town's price premium (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $91,083 in average-cost America. The 11% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior licensed practical nurses in Amherst Town can expect significant financial rewards, particularly those who have honed their skills and knowledge over years of practice. With a top-tier earning potential at the 90th percentile estimated at $91,304 for 2026, the leading professionals in this field clearly command a lucrative salary. This figure places them well above the national average for top licensed practical nurse salaries, which stands at $68,071. Moreover, the gap between the median annual salary of $82,531 and the earnings of top earners highlights the substantial experience premium available. To break into this upper echelon of pay, nursing professionals typically need to leverage specialized skills and certifications, demonstrating both advanced competencies and leadership abilities within their workplaces.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst Town
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Amherst Town earn between $87,541 and $91,304 per year (2026 est.). This $21,257 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Amherst Town median of $82,531 sits 21.24% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Amherst Town | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $82,531 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,541 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $91,304 | $88,196 |
In Amherst Town, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 10.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Amherst Town
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $82,531 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Amherst Town employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Amherst Town command premium compensation, often reaching the $87,541–$91,304 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Amherst Town metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Amherst Town with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Amherst Town
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAmherst Town ranks #59 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $91,304).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Amherst Town ($91,304) is 8.44% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($99,717).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,592
2025 BLS Actual
$86,380
2026 Current Est.
$91,304
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Amherst Town (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,829 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,038 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,508 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Amherst Town saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $65,592 in 2019 to $86,380 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $96,508 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst Town 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Amherst Town
In Amherst Town, specialized areas of practice contribute significantly to senior licensed practical nurse pay in MA. The pursuit of credentials in long-term care, hospice and palliative care, IV therapy, and wound care certifications often leads to higher compensation. Different healthcare settings also affect pay rates; for example, skilled nursing facilities are usually able to offer more competitive salaries compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned LPNs, as positions such as charge LPN, nursing supervisor, or MDS coordinator can significantly enhance career trajectories. Additionally, maintaining an active LPN/LVN license, completing a practical nursing diploma, and obtaining specialized certifications can boost earning potential significantly in Massachusetts. Non-salary compensation factors, such as shift differentials and additional stipends for certifications, can further elevate the total package for experienced licensed practical nurses seeking to maximize their earnings in this dynamic healthcare market.
More salary data for Amherst Town, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Amherst Town in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Amherst Town?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Amherst Town?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Amherst Town?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Amherst Town?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $86,380 for licensed practical nurses in the Amherst Town metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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