Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Peabody, MA: $62,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Peabody, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,816 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peabody's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,895 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,340) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse workforce in Peabody, Massachusetts can expect a starting salary around $62,816, which is significantly lower than the median annual pay of $83,340 for all LPNs in the area. This gap highlights that while entry-level positions provide a reasonable beginning, there is room for growth as LPNs gain experience and further their skills over the first few years. By progressing from the entry-level starting pay to the 25th percentile level of $77,740 and approaching the median within a three to five-year timeline, new LPNs can establish a more robust financial footing. Peabody's projected growth rate of 5.70% signifies an encouraging job market for recent graduates looking to make their mark in healthcare.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peabody
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 Peabody
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Peabody, MA typically start between $62,816 and $77,740 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,024 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,340 — 22.43% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 35.02% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($62,816/year) in Peabody. 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 Peabody
- 1Research the Peabody market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $62,816 to $77,740, 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 Peabody, 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 Peabody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peabody'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 Peabody is $49,024 ( 78.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,816, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,840.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,292
2025 BLS Actual
$59,429
2026 Current Est.
$62,816
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,387 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,517 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,429 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,397 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Peabody, MA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,292 in 2019 to $59,429 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,397. New graduates entering the Peabody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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 Peabody
Hiring patterns in Peabody show that various employers actively recruit newly licensed practical nurses, particularly in skilled nursing facilities which often provide comprehensive onboarding processes for fresh grads. Home health agencies appeal to new LPNs with their flexible scheduling options, while physician's offices may prefer candidates boasting specific clinical experience. To enhance starting pay in MA, obtaining an active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN is essential. Additionally, pursuing optional certifications like IV therapy or wound care can further increase earning potential. For those beginning their careers, strategic decisions such as enrolling in LPN-to-RN bridge programs can lead to improved job opportunities and salary prospects, given that long-term care employs about 35% of LPNs nationally, while the trend in hospitals leans towards an all-RN staffing model. In these formative years, new LPNs can anticipate gradual pay increases as they develop their expertise and expand their professional network within Peabody's healthcare community.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 Peabody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peabody 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