In Boston, MA, Registered Nurses earn a median of $110,893 a year - about 37% above the U.S. median of $81,000. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #10.
What that pay is worth in Boston
Local prices run 108 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $110,893 salary buys less than it looks - about $102,426 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Boston?
A typical Boston home runs about $710,400 - 6.4 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,093/mo takes roughly 23% of gross pay - within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Boston
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $61,744; the top 10% reach $145,297 - a $83,553 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
Compare Boston with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Boston against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Boston?
The average Registered Nurse in Boston, MA earns about $110,893 per year, 36.9% above the national average of $81,000.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Boston after taxes?
After federal and MA taxes, this $110,893 salary is worth about $81,298 a year - roughly $6,774 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 27%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Boston?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Boston earn about $145,297 a year, versus about $61,744 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Boston?
A typical Boston home runs about $710,400 - roughly 6.4x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.