Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Boston, MA
Median pay, Boston metro
$82,190/year
about $39.51 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $75,050 – $87,070
Half of licensed practical nurses in the Boston metro area earn more than $82,190 a year and half earn less. That's 28% higher than the national median of $64,400, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $61,680 | $29.65 |
| 25th | $75,050 | $36.08 |
| Median (50th) | $82,190 | $39.51 |
| 75th | $87,070 | $41.86 |
| 90th (top earners) | $94,110 | $45.25 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a licensed practical nurse job in the Boston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $75,050 ($36.08/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $75,050 to $87,070 ($36.08 to $41.86/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $87,070 ($41.86/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Night, weekend and holiday differentials can add a lot. Ask for the exact rates.
- Pay often differs between nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and home health, so compare like with like.
- Agency and travel LPN jobs pay more per hour but usually come with fewer benefits.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Boston metro. Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.