Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Brookline, MA: $63,277 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Brookline, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,277 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookline's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,320 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,756) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting out as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Brookline, Massachusetts, you'll find that the entry-level positions generally offer a starting pay around $63,277 in 2026. While this may be lower than the city's median annual salary of $80,756, new graduates in this field can expect a steady growth trajectory in earnings as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, salaries can realistically rise from the P10 mark of $63,277 to approximately $74,058 at the 25th percentile, putting newcomers on a positive path as they acclimate to the demands of the role. The market in Brookline presents ample opportunities for new nurses to start their careers, bolstered by the robust healthcare infrastructure in the area.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookline
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 Brookline
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Brookline, MA typically start between $63,277 and $74,058 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,756 — 18.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 34.77% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($63,277/year) in Brookline. 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 Brookline
- 1Research the Brookline market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $63,277 to $74,058, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookline, 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 Brookline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookline'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 Brookline is $40,237 ( 63.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,277, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,595
2025 BLS Actual
$59,865
2026 Current Est.
$63,277
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,811 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,732 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,967 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,963 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,277 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,884 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Brookline, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,595 in 2019 to $59,865 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,884. New graduates entering the Brookline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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 Brookline
When it comes to finding employment, the most common employers for recent graduates include skilled nursing facilities, which typically provide on-the-job orientation, and home health agencies, known for their flexible scheduling options. Physician offices often prefer candidates who have specific clinic experience. To enhance their starting licensed practical nurse pay in Massachusetts, individuals should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, such as an active LPN license, a diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, specialized certifications, like IV therapy or wound care, can significantly improve employability and earnings potential. In terms of career strategy for the first few years, LPNs can consider the benefits of pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially since state regulations on scope of practice may impact their day-to-day responsibilities. New graduates should prepare for a realistic salary growth expectation during their early career in Brookline, as LPNs typically see increases in their pay as they accrue more experience and responsibilities.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
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
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 Brookline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookline 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