Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Medford, MA: $108,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Medford, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $108,275/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Medford's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $99,793 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Medford, Massachusetts, stand to earn substantial annual compensation as they navigate their advanced careers. In 2026, top earners can expect to attain a salary of up to $108,275, corresponding to the 90th percentile (P90), while those in the 75th percentile (P75) will see around $95,555. This financial potential highlights a significant experience premium, with an estimated median salary of $82,273 showcasing a marked difference from the top-tier pay. Achieving this level of compensation often involves obtaining specialized credentials and significant expertise, particularly within fields such as long-term care, hospice, and palliative care. Experienced licensed practical nurses in Medford who leverage their qualifications and embrace leadership roles can further enhance their earning capacity in this competitive landscape.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Medford earn between $95,555 and $108,275 per year (2026 est.). This $41,472 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medford median of $82,273 sits 20.86% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Medford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $82,273 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,555 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $108,275 | $88,196 |
In Medford, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 31.60% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Medford
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $82,273 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medford employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Medford command premium compensation, often reaching the $95,555–$108,275 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medford 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 Medford 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 Medford
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedford ranks #11 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $108,275).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Medford ($108,275) is 8.58% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($99,717).
2019 BLS Actual
$77,785
2025 BLS Actual
$102,436
2026 Current Est.
$108,275
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,785 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,436 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,675 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,447 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Medford saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $77,785 in 2019 to $102,436 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 $114,447 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Medford
In Medford, senior licensed practical nurse pay in 2026 is influenced heavily by the specific areas of specialization that command premium rates. Specialties such as IV therapy certification, wound care, and pediatric home care not only elevate an LPN’s value but also contribute to a differentiated compensation structure across various employment types. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings generally offer higher salaries than home health agencies or physician offices due to their continuous care demands. Additionally, opportunities for advancement into positions like charge nurse, nursing supervisor, or MDS coordinator are realistic career trajectories for seasoned LPNs. Advanced credentials, such as active LPN/LVN licensure and specialized certifications, further enhance salary potential. Non-salary elements, including shift differentials and weekend premiums in long-term care, also play significant roles in overall compensation, making Medford an appealing market for experienced licensed practical nurses looking to optimize their financial rewards in 2026.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Medford in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Medford?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Medford?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Medford?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time 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
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 $102,436 for licensed practical nurses in the Medford 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 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