Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lowell, MA: $65,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,855 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,696 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,490) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the healthcare workforce as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Lowell, Massachusetts, the starting licensed practical nurse salary is projected to be around $65,855 in 2026. While this amount is below the city’s median annual salary of $83,490, it presents a reasonable entry point for new professionals. Over the initial years, there is significant potential for salary growth. With time and experience, LPNs can expect to see their earnings rise, with realistic pathways from the $65,855 entry-level salary to the $77,112 at the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given Lowell's healthcare landscape and growing demand, this city remains a positive market for graduates seeking their first positions in practical nursing.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Lowell, MA typically start between $65,855 and $77,112 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,321 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,490 — 22.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 33.41% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($65,855/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $65,855 to $77,112, 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 Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $45,321 ( 68.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,855, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,176.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,290
2025 BLS Actual
$62,304
2026 Current Est.
$65,855
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,555 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,718 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,412 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,304 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,609 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,290 in 2019 to $62,304 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,609. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
In Lowell, a variety of employers hire recent LPN graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities that provide comprehensive on-the-job training. Home health agencies are also a popular choice for new LPNs, as they offer flexible scheduling to accommodate varied lifestyles. Conversely, physician offices typically prefer candidates who have specific clinical experience, suggesting that tailored internships or volunteer work can enhance job prospects. To improve starting pay in Massachusetts, aspiring LPNs should ensure they have an active LPN/LVN license, a practical nursing diploma from an approved program, and have passed the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, obtaining certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further elevate their employability. As new licensed practical nurses begin their careers, they should consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs, particularly given that many hospitals today are shifting towards all-RN staffing models, thus providing a pathway for career advancement while also recognizing that varying scopes of practice may affect opportunities in long-term care settings.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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