Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Scarborough, ME: $52,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,300 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,510 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,686) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scarborough, new graduates entering the field of licensed practical nursing can anticipate starting salaries around $52,300 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, which may not seem particularly competitive compared to the median annual salary of $64,686 for LPNs in the area. However, over the first few years, it is realistic for new LPNs to experience salary growth from their initial pay at the 10th percentile, gradually moving towards the 25th percentile at $62,549 and ultimately reaching or exceeding the median as they gain experience and skills. Scarborough’s relatively stable healthcare market suggests that it is a promising location for new graduates, especially considering the projected annual growth rate of 5.70% for LPN employment.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($57,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Scarborough, ME typically start between $52,300 and $62,549 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,851 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,686 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Maine of $14,000 represents just 26.77% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,300/year) in Scarborough. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,300 to $62,549, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scarborough, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Scarborough is $23,851 ( 45.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,300, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,151.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,379
2025 BLS Actual
$49,480
2026 Current Est.
$52,300
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,379 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,281 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,379 in 2019 to $49,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,281. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Scarborough
Skilled nursing facilities in Scarborough are among the primary employers hiring entry-level licensed practical nurses, often providing thorough on-the-job orientation to support new graduates in their transition into the workforce. Meanwhile, home health agencies may appeal to those seeking more flexible scheduling options, an attractive aspect for many first-time jobholders. To enhance starting salaries, obtaining additional credentials such as an active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam can be invaluable. New LPNs should also consider securing certifications in specialized areas like IV therapy or wound care, which can elevate their marketability. It’s critical for early-career nurses to strategize around their career trajectory; with long-term care facilities employing a significant percentage of LPNs, many new graduates may find themselves on the path to eventual advancement through LPN-to-RN bridge programs as healthcare roles continue to evolve.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Scarborough in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Scarborough?
Is nursing school worth it in Scarborough?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Scarborough?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Maine?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough 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