Average Registered Nurse Salary in Massachusetts
Registered Nurses in Massachusetts earn an average of $109,058 per year across 1 metro area. This is +16.5% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$109,058
per year
Hourly Rate
$52.43
per hour
vs National
+16.5%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$70,078
to $152,213
About Registered Nurse Careers in Massachusetts
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Massachusetts, registered nurses earn an average of $109,058 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $70,078 for entry-level roles to $152,213 for the most experienced professionals — +16.5% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Massachusetts.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$109,058
Cost of Living Index
135
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$80,784
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Massachusetts's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $109,058 has the purchasing power of $80,784 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Massachusetts
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $109,058 | $52.43/hr | $70,078 | $152,213 | 4,154 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Massachusetts vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Massachusetts
There are approximately 4,154 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Massachusetts.
Key Industries: Technology, Biotechnology, Healthcare
State Income Tax: 5% - 9%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Massachusetts
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$70,078
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$109,058
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$152,213
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Massachusetts
Pharmacist
$157,384
avg in MA
+$48,326 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$144,910
avg in MA
+$35,852 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$105,030
avg in MA
-$4,028 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$69,222
avg in MA
-$39,836 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$43,948
avg in MA
-$65,110 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Massachusetts with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Massachusetts Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Massachusetts?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Massachusetts is $109,058 per year ($52.43/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 16.5% above the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Massachusetts?
Boston, MA is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Massachusetts, with a median salary of $109,058 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Massachusetts?
Registered Nurse salaries in Massachusetts range from $70,078 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $152,213 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $109,058 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Massachusetts. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.