Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Chelsea, MA: $65,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Chelsea, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,433 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chelsea's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,307 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,497) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective licensed practical nurses entering the field in Chelsea, Massachusetts, can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $65,433 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the median annual salary of $82,497 for all LPNs in the area, creating a gap that new graduates should plan for as they embark on their careers. While the starting pay may seem modest, it's important to recognize the potential growth trajectory: within just a few years, early-career LPNs could see their salaries rise as they gain experience and move beyond the entry-level pay scale. The Chelsea market for new graduates is currently favorable, equipped with numerous healthcare facilities seeking fresh talent, which positions them well for advancement.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chelsea
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 Chelsea
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Chelsea, MA typically start between $65,433 and $75,988 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,616 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,497 — 21.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 33.62% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($65,433/year) in Chelsea. 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 Chelsea
- 1Research the Chelsea market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $65,433 to $75,988, 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 Chelsea, 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 Chelsea for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chelsea'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 Chelsea is $35,616 ( 54.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,433, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,049.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,012
2025 BLS Actual
$61,904
2026 Current Est.
$65,433
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,012 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,269 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,839 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,162 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Chelsea, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,012 in 2019 to $61,904 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,162. New graduates entering the Chelsea job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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 Chelsea
In Chelsea, various healthcare employers actively recruit new graduate licensed practical nurses, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering comprehensive on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies also present appealing opportunities due to their flexible scheduling, making them a viable option for those wanting to balance work-life commitments. To enhance earning potential in Massachusetts, candidates should ensure they possess an active LPN/LVN license, complete the requisite 12-18 month practical nursing diploma, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. While the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Chelsea may appear low, developing specific skills, such as obtaining IV therapy or wound care certifications can significantly boost earning potential. New entrants into the field should anticipate a gradual salary increase during their first few years, driven by experience and the potential transition into roles that may facilitate an LPN-to-RN bridge program in the long run.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Chelsea in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Chelsea?
Is nursing school worth it in Chelsea?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Chelsea?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
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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 Chelsea. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chelsea 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