Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hudson, NH: $56,644 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Hudson, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,644 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hudson's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,790 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,768) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the licensed practical nursing field in Hudson, New Hampshire, the projected starting licensed practical nurse salary in 2026 is approximately $56,644. While this figure may appear modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $69,768, there are growth opportunities as new graduates advance in their careers. Those in their first few years can realistically expect their earnings to increase to around $63,842 as they gain experience and skills. Given Hudson's relatively competitive healthcare environment, the prospects for new LPNs are promising, especially considering the state's projected growth rate of 5.70% in this sector over the next five years.
About the Hudson Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hudson
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 Hudson
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Hudson, NH typically start between $56,644 and $63,842 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,785 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,768 — 2.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New Hampshire of $18,000 represents just 31.78% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($56,644/year) in Hudson. 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 Hudson
- 1Research the Hudson market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $56,644 to $63,842, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hudson, 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 Hudson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hudson'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 Hudson is $30,785 ( 54.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,644, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,429.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,234
2025 BLS Actual
$53,589
2026 Current Est.
$56,644
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hudson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,234 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,025 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,644 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,872 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Hudson, NH grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,234 in 2019 to $53,589 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,872. New graduates entering the Hudson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hudson 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 Hudson
In Hudson, potential employers looking to hire new graduate licensed practical nurses include skilled nursing facilities, which typically offer structured onboarding processes for recent graduates. Home health agencies are also a popular choice, providing flexible scheduling options to accommodate new LPNs' personal needs. However, physician offices often prefer candidates with relevant clinic experience, making it advantageous for new hires to seek internships or externships during their training. Holding essential credentials such as an active LPN license, a completed practical nursing diploma program, and successfully passing the NCLEX-PN increases starting pay in NH. Additionally, pursuing certifications in IV therapy or wound care can significantly enhance a new nurse's career trajectory. Generally, LPNs can expect to see steady salary growth, transitioning from entry-level compensation to more competitive wages in their first three years, especially in a region that increasingly supports healthcare education and training pathways.
More salary data for Hudson, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Hudson in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Hudson?
Is nursing school worth it in Hudson?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Hudson?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Hudson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hudson 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