Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $39.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Medford, MA runs $39.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,362 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medford, Massachusetts, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $39.55 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. For part-time workers, such as those engaged for three days a week, this rate translates into a favorable income that supports flexible scheduling across various healthcare environments—be it skilled nursing facilities, private home health visits, or even assisted living medication rooms. Those entering the profession can expect to earn around $32.12, while top-tier LPNs in Medford can make $52.06 per hour. This broad range highlights the diverse compensation potential based on experience, specialization, and setting within the healthcare system.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.12 | $256.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.14 | $297.14 |
| Median (P50) | $39.55 | $316.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.94 | $367.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.06 | $416.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $39.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.55/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $82,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,464. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,582.12 | $6,856 | $82,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $949.27 | $4,114 | $49,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.85 | $2,742 | $32,908 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Medford) | $39.55 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Medford, MA earn a median of $82,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.86% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,272.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.55/hr = $49,362/year (purchasing power: $45,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,270/year (purchasing power: $75,825).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Medford grew 35.6% from $27.59/hr (2019) to $37.42/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.81/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Medford
In evaluating the earning potential for licensed practical nurses in Medford, working part-time can yield a notable annual income even when clocked in for just 24 hours a week. Given the competitive hourly wage, these workers can secure a comfortable living while enjoying more personal time. Additionally, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Medford often varies, with rates typically ranging from $28 to $42 per hour. Agency LPNs, especially in high-demand facilities, might command even higher rates of $45 to $60 per hour. The type of employer significantly affects compensation; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer steady roles while hospitals lean towards entirely RN staffing. Many LPNs find themselves weighing the benefits of lower hourly wages that include health insurance against higher pay rates without such benefits. Navigating this decision often hinges on personal needs and long-term career aspirations, particularly for those considering LPN-to-RN bridge pathways. Effective negotiation skills can also empower LPNs to advocate for fair compensation based on their experience and the local market's demand.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Medford in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Medford?
Are licensed practical nurses in Medford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Medford?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Medford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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