Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Andover, MA: $97,467 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Andover, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,467/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Andover's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,831 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Andover, Massachusetts, senior licensed practical nurses (LPNs) exhibit significant earning potential reflected in the 2026 projections. With a median annual salary standing at $78,833, the top earners can anticipate making as much as $97,467, illustrating an appealing gap between the median and high-end salaries. This promising income is further enhanced by the P75 bracket at $91,026, making Andover's senior LPN compensation notably competitive compared to the national average of $68,071. Achieving this level requires not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but often entails advancing qualifications, specialized training, and mastery within in-demand areas of practice to secure a position among the highest-paid professionals in the field.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Andover earn between $91,026 and $97,467 per year (2026 est.). This $34,254 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Andover median of $78,833 sits 15.81% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Andover | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,833 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,026 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,467 | $88,196 |
In Andover, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 23.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Andover
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $78,833 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Andover employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Andover command premium compensation, often reaching the $91,026–$97,467 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Andover metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Andover with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Andover
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAndover ranks #56 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $97,467).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Andover ($97,467) is 2.26% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($99,717).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,020
2025 BLS Actual
$92,211
2026 Current Est.
$97,467
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,407 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,287 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,467 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,023 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Andover saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $70,020 in 2019 to $92,211 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $103,023 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Andover
When it comes to senior licensed practical nurse pay in MA, specific specializations can command premium compensation. For example, areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, and hospice services are not only crucial for community health but also reflect advanced skills that lead to higher salaries. Compensation structures can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities may offer different packages than home health agencies or hospitals. Leadership pathways, such as roles as charge LPNs, nursing supervisors, or MDS coordinators, can elevate an experienced LPN's career and earnings potential. Additionally, pursuing certifications and advanced qualifications enhances salary prospects in Andover's competitive environment, while benefits like shift differentials and weekend premiums further sweeten the overall compensation for top licensed practical nurse salaries.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Andover in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Andover?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Andover?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Andover?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Andover?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $92,211 for licensed practical nurses in the Andover metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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