Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median nurse practitioner salary in Boston, MA is $194,576 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$194,576
vs State Avg
+$20,674
vs National
+$72,966
Cost of Living
152%

Nurse Practitioner Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median nurse practitioner salary of $194,576, which is $20,674 above the Massachusetts state average of $173,902. Compared to the national median of $121,610, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $194,576 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $128,011. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nurse practitioners in Boston spans from $139,360 at the 10th percentile to $269,120 at the 90th percentile — a $129,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $144,000, while senior nurse practitioners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $248,000. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $144,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $248,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$144,000
+$54,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$195,200
+$73,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$248,000
+$93,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $139,360
25th Percentile $166,720
Median (50th) $194,576
75th Percentile $229,600
90th Percentile $269,120

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$204,305
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$143,500
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$137,419
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$128,907
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Boston

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Boston

Browse open nurse practitioner positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Boston

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $194,576 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $139,360 (10th percentile) to $269,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $194,576, a nurse practitioner in Boston earns approximately $94 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for nurse practitioner pay? ▼
Boston's median nurse practitioner salary of $194,576 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $173,902. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a nurse practitioner salary of $194,576 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nurse practitioner in Boston? ▼
Most nurse practitioner positions in Boston require a master's degree. Key skills include Advanced Assessment, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, Patient Education. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.