Boston vs Chelmsford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Boston, MA and Chelmsford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelmsford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,568▲ | $135,304 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.35▲ | $65.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $120,623▲ | $107,891 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,985▲ | $122,687 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,975▲ | $160,273 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,821▲ | $176,064 |
| Total Employed | 5,990▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelmsford.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelmsford is $17,264 (12.76%). Boston's median is +11.47% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $99,198,Chelmsford spans $68,173. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($140,920 effective) pays 13.00% more than Chelmsford ($124,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,568/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,821)
- ✓Larger job market (5,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,920)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelmsford if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Boston grew 22.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.7% growth in Chelmsford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$120,870 (2019) → $147,480 (2025)
Chelmsford, MA
$151,610 (2024) → $130,792 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelmsford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Boston or Chelmsford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelmsford?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelmsford as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Boston vs Chelmsford?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov