Registered Nurse Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 88K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$104,550
$50.26/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $175K
88K employed in Massachusetts
Registered nurses in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $104,550 annually, positioning the state well above the national average at 11% higher. With approximately 88,200 registered nurses currently employed throughout Massachusetts, the nursing profession represents a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce and offers competitive compensation relative to other states.
Registered Nurse salary in Massachusetts varies considerably based on several key factors, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and practice setting. Salaries typically range from $80,310 to $174,510 annually, reflecting differences in education level, geographic location within the state, and the type of healthcare facility. Urban centers and specialized medical environments often offer higher compensation packages than rural areas.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,310 |
| 25th percentile | $87,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,550 |
| 75th percentile | $136,110 |
| 90th percentile | $174,510 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,520 |
| 2023 | $99,730 |
| 2024 | $101,970 |
| 2025 | $104,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,195 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,520 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $99,730 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $101,970 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $104,550 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,195 | $96,479 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $87,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $174,510 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Registered Nurse ($104,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +308.0% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +270.3% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +240.7% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +182.7% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +172.8% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +165.4% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +160.4% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +111.5% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +108.2% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +73.7% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +52.8% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +45.1% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Massachusetts?
- Registered nurses in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $104,550 per year, which translates to approximately $50 per hour. This is 11.1% higher than the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in Massachusetts?
- Registered nurse salaries in Massachusetts range from $80,310 at the lower end to $174,510 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is nursing a well-paying job in Massachusetts compared to the rest of the country?
- Yes, registered nurses in Massachusetts earn 11.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $104,550 per year, making it a well-compensated position in the state.
How many registered nurses are employed in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts currently has 88,200 registered nurses employed, making nursing a significant part of the state's healthcare workforce.