How Much Does an NP Make in Massachusetts in 2026?

A typical NP in Massachusetts earns about $68.48 per hour ($142,440 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $11,870 a month and $2,739 a week, calculated from the annual figure. These figures reflect employed nurse practitioners across the state, not independent contractors or those in solo practice. Pay varies further by setting, city, and years of experience.

Massachusetts pay runs 8% above the national figure of $132,300, a gap that partly reflects the state's higher cost of living. Massachusetts ranks 7th among all 51 states for NP pay. About 8,070 nurse practitioners work in the state, compared with 323,040 nationwide across the profession.

Entry-level positions for nurse practitioners in Massachusetts typically offer around $53.82 an hour, or about $111,950 a year, according to the same May 2025 data. Pay tends to rise from there as NPs gain clinical experience and take on more responsibility. Within a few years, many reach the state's typical pay of $142,440 a year. Setting and specialty also play a role in how quickly pay increases.

Experienced nurse practitioners in Massachusetts often earn upwards of $80.82 an hour, or about $168,100 a year, in senior or specialized roles. The top 10% of earners make over $99.86 an hour, or more than $207,710 a year. That leaves a spread of $95,760 between entry-level and top pay. The difference usually comes down to years of experience, practice setting, and which city an NP works in.

Nurse practitioner pay in Massachusetts has climbed steadily over the past decade. Typical pay rose from $109,600 in 2015 to $142,440 in 2025, a gain of $32,840. That amounts to a 30% increase over ten years. The rise has been fairly steady year over year, without sharp jumps or drops.

Nationally, NP pay rose 35% over the same decade, a somewhat faster pace than the increase in Massachusetts. Massachusetts still pays more in dollar terms, even with the slower percentage gain. For someone starting an NP career in Massachusetts now, pay has moved up consistently in recent years, though nothing about future increases is guaranteed.

Pay runs highest in the Boston metro area, where NPs typically earn $147,480 a year, about 4% above the statewide figure. These figures cover the full metro area around each city, not just the city limits. Barnstable Town and Springfield also pay above the state's typical figure, at $139,840 and $138,460 a year respectively.

At the lower end, Amherst Town typically pays $133,050 a year, though that is still solid pay for the profession. The spread between the highest- and lowest-paying cities in Massachusetts is $14,430 a year. Boston also has the largest nurse practitioner workforce in the state, with about 5,990 employed there. Higher pay in cities like Boston generally comes with a higher cost of living.

Compared with nearby states, Massachusetts pay trails New York, where NPs typically earn $153,510 a year, about 8% higher. Massachusetts pays more than its other neighbors: Connecticut ($138,470), New Hampshire ($137,550), Rhode Island ($135,970), and Vermont ($134,740) all run 3% to 5% lower. A nursing license earned in Massachusetts can often be endorsed or transferred into a neighboring state, though requirements vary and should be confirmed with the relevant state board.

Nurse practitioners in Massachusetts typically earn $142,440 a year as of the latest data, up 30% over the past decade. Pay tends to be higher in cities like Boston and somewhat lower in places like Amherst Town, though the difference across the state is modest. Readers considering this path in Massachusetts can check the state licensing and registry page for requirements, and the city pages for local pay figures.