Registered Nurse Salaries in Massachusetts — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median registered nurse salary in Massachusetts is $101,970 per year, equivalent to $49.03/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Massachusetts employs approximately 90,190 registered nurses statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Massachusetts are above the national average by approximately $11,794. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Strong demand and union representation mean registered nurses in Massachusetts often earn above the national median.
Massachusetts Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Massachusetts after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Massachusetts Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Massachusetts median of $101,970.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Massachusetts
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Massachusetts — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for registered nurses in Massachusetts: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Massachusetts's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Massachusetts
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $113,200 | $54.42 | +11.0% | 31,566 |
| Worcester | $108,100 | $51.97 | +6.0% | 25,253 |
| Springfield | $105,050 | $50.50 | +3.0% | 16,234 |
| Cambridge | $97,900 | $47.07 | -4.0% | 8,117 |
| Lowell | $92,800 | $44.62 | -9.0% | 5,411 |
| Brockton | $88,700 | $42.64 | -13.0% | 3,607 |
Tip: Boston offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Massachusetts at $113,200/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Massachusetts vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Massachusetts sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Massachusetts
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Massachusetts is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Massachusetts job market. Strong demand and union representation mean registered nurses in Massachusetts often earn above the national median.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Massachusetts typically adds $83,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Boston pays registered nurses $113,200/yr — +11.0% above the Massachusetts average. Simply relocating within Massachusetts can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Massachusetts. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays registered nurses $105,600/yr — 3.6% vs Massachusetts.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Massachusetts
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Massachusetts:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Massachusetts — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Massachusetts — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Boston, MA→