RN Salary by Role in Massachusetts
RN Pay by Metro in Massachusetts
Where you work inside Massachusetts moves your paycheck. Here is what registered nurses earn in each major Massachusetts market, compared with the national RN median of $97,550. Tap a metro for hospitals, openings and cost of living.
| Metro | Median RN pay | Typical range | NP median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $106,180 | $94,870 – $153,380 | $147,480 |
Powered by RN Workforce Insights™. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.
About RN Pay in Massachusetts
Registered nurses in Massachusetts are paid above the national median, averaging roughly $94,000 a year for staff RN roles.
In Massachusetts, compensation grows considerably as nurses gain experience and take on more responsibility. New grad RNs typically start around $66,000, with specialty nurses in units like the ICU, ER, or OR averaging closer to $106,000. Moving into leadership brings a meaningful jump — nurse managers average about $118,000, directors of nursing around $137,000, and chief nursing officers can earn $162,000 or more. For nurses pursuing advanced practice roles (NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM), average pay in Massachusetts runs near $118,000.
Massachusetts has enacted Nurse Licensure Compact legislation that has not yet taken effect, so for now nurses should continue to apply for licensure by endorsement through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing when moving to or from Massachusetts.
As with any state, factor in local cost of living and taxes alongside salary when evaluating job offers in Massachusetts.
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