Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dracut, MA: $100,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Dracut, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,161/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Dracut's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,314 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dracut, Massachusetts showcases a lucrative opportunity for seasoned licensed practical nurses (LPNs), with the top licensed practical nurse salary projected at $100,161 in 2026. This figure places the region's top earners ahead of many national counterparts, who average significantly lower. With a median annual salary of $79,751, the gap reveals the premium that experience brings; to reach such heights, LPNs must often pursue specializations, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. Those navigating this competitive landscape can enhance their earning potential through dedicated experience, strategic networking, and a commitment to continual professional development, especially in critical areas like long-term care or palliative medicine.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dracut
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Dracut earn between $93,276 and $100,161 per year (2026 est.). This $34,718 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dracut median of $79,751 sits 17.16% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Dracut | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,751 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,276 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,161 | $88,196 |
In Dracut, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.59% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Dracut
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $79,751 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dracut employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Dracut command premium compensation, often reaching the $93,276–$100,161 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dracut 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 Dracut 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 Dracut
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDracut ranks #46 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $100,161).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Dracut ($100,161) is 0.44% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($99,717).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,956
2025 BLS Actual
$94,760
2026 Current Est.
$100,161
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,956 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,409 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,506 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,434 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,871 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Dracut saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $71,956 in 2019 to $94,760 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 $105,871 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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 Dracut
Specializations can notably influence earning potentials in Dracut, elevating the senior licensed practical nurse pay MA when aligned with industry needs—fields like long-term care, IV therapy, and hospice nursing are particularly rewarding. Moreover, LPNs in various settings—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home health and hospitals—experience varied pay scales, influenced by employer type and job demands. Leadership positions, such as nursing supervisor or MDS coordinator, provide paths to significant salary advancement; pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs can also create substantial value. Advanced credentials further bolster compensation; certifications in IV therapy or wound care are highly regarded. Non-salary compensation alternatives, like shift differentials and special stipends, also play an essential role in enhancing total remuneration for practicing LPNs in the region.
More salary data for Dracut, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Dracut in 2026?
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What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Dracut?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Dracut?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Dracut?
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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 $94,760 for licensed practical nurses in the Dracut 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 Dracut 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