Registered nurse salary in Massachusetts
The median registered nurse in Massachusetts earned $104,550 a year in 2025, $7,000 (7%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 8th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $104,550
- Average yearly pay
- $117,960
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 88,200
How Massachusetts compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Massachusetts
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $104,550 | 88,200 |
| LPN or LVN | $80,220 | 13,210 |
| Nurse practitioner | $142,440 | 8,070 |
A nurse practitioner in Massachusetts earns a median $37,890 more than a registered nurse ($142,440 against $104,550). A registered nurse earns a median $24,330 more than an LPN or LVN here ($104,550 against $80,220).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Massachusetts?
The median is $104,550 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Massachusetts earn more and half earn less.
Is Massachusetts a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Massachusetts ranks 8th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Massachusetts pays 7% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Massachusetts?
BLS counted 88,200 registered nurses employed in Massachusetts in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Massachusetts the average is $117,960, $13,410 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.