What the numbers say
With 66,440 Registered Nurses employed in the Boston metro, this is one of the largest nursing workforces in the country. The median annual wage was $102,440 in 2024, about 8% above the national median of $94,511 and roughly in line with the Massachusetts statewide median of $101,970.
The more striking figure is the spread. A nurse at the 10th percentile earned $77,910, while one at the 90th earned $177,130. Top earners in Boston make about 2.3 times what those at the bottom of the range do. That kind of gap usually reflects a mix of seniority, specialty, and setting: an ICU nurse with 15 years in at a major academic medical center lands somewhere very different from a new graduate in a community clinic.
The mean annual wage of $115,710 sits well above the $102,440 median. That means a smaller group of high earners pull the average up, so the median is a more useful reference point for most nurses.
Boston's academic medical complex is one reason the city concentrates so many nurses. That concentration also keeps wages competitive, though the gap over the national figure is narrower than in some other high-cost metros.
Salary distribution
Where Boston registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $94,870 and $153,380, with a median of $106,180.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Registered Nurses
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Boston, Massachusetts?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Boston metropolitan area is $106,180.
- Does Boston pay more than the Massachusetts state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Boston metro median is +1.6% versus the Massachusetts state median of $104,550.
- How does Boston compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Boston metro median is +8.0% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Boston?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $81,880 and the 90th-percentile at $188,670 for the Boston metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Boston CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.