Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lawrence, MA: $81,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Lawrence, MA earns a median $81,198/year (≈ $39.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $74,837 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are projected to earn a median annual salary of $81,198 in 2026, reflecting a significant 19.28% increase compared to the national median of $68,071. This substantial compensation aligns with the state's progressive scope-of-practice rules for LPNs, which include the authority to perform IV therapy and patient assessments. The full salary range for LPNs in Lawrence spans from $64,320 at the 10th percentile to $104,951 at the 90th percentile, offering various earning potential based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating a robust market for practical nursing professionals in the area.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,320 | $30.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,986 | $36.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,198 | $39.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,845 | $47.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,951 | $50.46 |
Median Salary Position
19.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,631 (2026 est.). At $81,198, the local median is 19.28% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $81,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,280 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +19.28% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $81,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.28% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,280.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,198 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,837 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,636
2025 BLS Actual
$76,819
2026 Current Est.
$81,198
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,636 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,153 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,248 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,826 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $56,636 (2019) to $76,819 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,826 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,190 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,320 – $74,986 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,986 – $81,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,198 – $97,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,845 – $104,951 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Lawrence
With just 16 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Lawrence, the area's job market appears tightly-knit yet promising, considering the high median salary. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, slightly above the national average, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, they must also accommodate local living expenses. Among the highest-paying employers are skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings, which tend to offer better compensation compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Factors contributing to salary disparities for LPNs include shift differentials, weekend and holiday premiums, and specialized certification stipends, particularly for those certified in IV therapy. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Lawrence should consider roles in high-demand environments, seek additional certifications to increase their value, and explore opportunities for shift differentials or charge LPN positions within skilled nursing facilities.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,819 for licensed practical nursesin the Lawrence metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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