Licensed Practical Nurse.
Boston.
$62,000
median salary, 22% above the national average
$51,000 to $76,000. Updated for 2026.
The numbers.
Everything you need to negotiate with confidence.
If you are evaluating a Licensed Practical Nurse offer in Boston, MA, here is the reality: $51,000 to $76,000, with $62,000 as the midpoint. 22% above the national average. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
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How Boston compares
Boston, MA
$62,000
Cost of living: 22% above average
National Average
$51,000
Boston is $11,000 above
What you should know
Here is what the Licensed Practical Nurse market actually looks like in Boston. Boston's job market is powered by world class universities, a thriving biotech corridor, and established finance and healthcare sectors. The Kendall Square area is one of the most concentrated biotech hubs globally. Tech salaries in Boston are competitive with West Coast markets, particularly for roles that intersect with life sciences, AI, and robotics. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. States with nurse licensure compacts offer more flexibility and often higher pay for travel assignments. Shift differentials for evenings and weekends and IV therapy certification also contribute to higher earnings.
New LPNs start at $40,000 to $45,000 in most settings. With five years of experience and specialty skills, pay reaches $52,000 to $60,000. Charge LPNs or unit supervisors can earn $62,000 to $72,000, and many LPNs use the role as a bridge to RN licensure. In Boston, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 22% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. LPNs receive standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and retirement contributions. Overtime is common and can add $5,000 to $10,000 annually. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 in high-demand areas. And on the tax side: massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax on most earnings, plus a 4% surtax on income above $1 million. There is no city income tax in Boston, keeping the total burden moderate. When someone quotes you $62,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Emphasize specialized credentials or advanced degrees. Boston employers, especially in biotech and finance, place a premium on educational pedigree and certifications. The range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Boston runs from $51,000 to $76,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Top industries in Boston
Negotiating in Boston
Emphasize specialized credentials or advanced degrees. Boston employers, especially in biotech and finance, place a premium on educational pedigree and certifications.