Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Watertown, MA: $82,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Watertown, MA earns a median $82,181/year (≈ $39.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,743 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurse salaries in Watertown, Massachusetts, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $82,181, significantly surpassing the national median of $68,071. The salary range within the city varies from $64,737 at the 10th percentile to $100,242 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse employment situations across skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics. These figures, derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the competitive compensation for LPNs in Watertown, particularly as the demand for skilled nursing care continues to grow. With local wages being approximately 20.73% higher than the national average, the Watertown job market is positioned favorably for those entering the practical nursing field.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,737 | $31.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,483 | $37.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,181 | $39.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,059 | $45.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,242 | $48.19 |
Median Salary Position
20.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,505 (2026 est.). At $82,181, the local median is 20.73% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Watertown median: $82,181/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $83,263 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.73% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Watertown, MA earn a median of $82,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.73% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $83,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,181 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,743 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,322
2025 BLS Actual
$77,749
2026 Current Est.
$82,181
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,322 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,034 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,749 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,865 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,322 (2019) to $77,749 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,865 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,543 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $64,737 – $78,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,483 – $82,181 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,181 – $94,059 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,059 – $100,242 |
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 Watertown
In terms of job market dynamics, Watertown currently employs seven licensed practical nurses, a figure that may indicate a tight local workforce. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that although salary prospects are better than the national average, the higher living expenses could affect overall purchasing power. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher wages compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Factors contributing to the salary range include setting differences, shift differentials, and premiums for specialized skills like IV therapy. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Watertown may consider pursuing certifications, working in long-term care settings, or taking on night and weekend shifts, all of which are often compensated at higher rates.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Watertown, MA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Watertown?
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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 $77,749 for licensed practical nursesin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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