🏥 Registered Nurse Salary
Registered Nurse Salary in Boston, MA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$115,710
in Boston · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$104,816
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#24
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Boston
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Boston, MA is $115,710 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $9,643/month or $56/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Boston pays 19% more than the typical city.
Boston has a cost of living index of 110.4 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $115,710 in Boston is equivalent to $104,816 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Boston metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| Rank | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Boston
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $154,840 |
| 📚Elementary School Teacher | $85,910 |
| ⚡Electrician | $83,410 |
| 📊Accountant | $103,570 |
Full cost of living profile for Boston
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Boston?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Boston, MA is $115,710 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Boston Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Boston Registered Nurse pay ($115,710) is 19% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Boston?
Yes. Boston has a cost of living index of 110.4 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $115,710 salary in Boston has the purchasing power of approximately $104,816 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology