Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cambridge, MA: $110,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Cambridge, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $110,248/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Cambridge's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $101,611 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned professionals in the field of licensed practical nursing, Cambridge, Massachusetts offers attractive compensation opportunities, with a projected annual salary for seniors reaching $84,800 in 2026. The earnings potential is especially pronounced for top earners, who can expect salaries up to $110,248 per year (P90). This remarkable figure surpasses the national top licensed practical nurse salary of $68,071, revealing a significant experience premium when comparing median figures. Attaining such heights in this competitive market generally demands not only extensive hands-on experience—often exceeding seven years—but also specialized training and certifications that elevate an LPN's marketability in the diverse healthcare ecosystem of Cambridge.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Cambridge earn between $100,408 and $110,248 per year (2026 est.). This $48,010 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cambridge median of $84,800 sits 24.58% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Cambridge | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $84,800 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,408 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $110,248 | $88,196 |
In Cambridge, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 30.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Cambridge
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $84,800 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cambridge employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Cambridge command premium compensation, often reaching the $100,408–$110,248 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCambridge ranks #9 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $110,248).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Cambridge ($110,248) is 10.56% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($99,717).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,202
2025 BLS Actual
$104,303
2026 Current Est.
$110,248
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,815 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,303 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,532 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Cambridge saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $79,202 in 2019 to $104,303 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 $116,532 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
The path to senior licensed practical nurse pay in MA is shaped by a variety of factors, including specialization and type of employment. Areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, and wound care command higher compensation, while the employer type can markedly influence pay scales. Skilled nursing facilities and hospice care often lead to more lucrative positions than homes or physician offices, making certain settings more desirable for advancing one’s career. Moreover, leadership positions such as charge LPNs or nursing supervisors significantly enhance earning potential and professional stature. Those pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs also find added value through advanced credentials, like an active LPN/LVN license and optional specialty certifications. Non-salary benefits further enrich the overall compensation package; shift differentials, weekend premiums, and stipends for certifications are common incentives that make senior roles in this sector particularly appealing.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Cambridge in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Cambridge?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Cambridge?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Cambridge?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $104,303 for licensed practical nurses in the Cambridge 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
Salary data for Cambridge 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