New Bedford vs Worcester: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between New Bedford, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,403▲ | $139,782 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.94▲ | $67.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,261▲ | $108,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,788▲ | $129,364 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,545▲ | $168,251 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,720 | $211,069▲ |
| Total Employed | 24 | 840▲ |
Verdict
New Bedford and Worcester are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Worcester is $3,621 (2.59%). New Bedford's median is +4.78% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $73,459,Worcester spans $102,095. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($136,342 effective) pays 3.16% more than New Bedford ($132,169 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,403/year)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,069)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,342)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in New Bedford grew 4.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Worcester over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$132,620 (2019) → $138,621 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$118,950 (2019) → $135,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: New Bedford or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Worcester?
Should I relocate from New Bedford to Worcester as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in New Bedford vs Worcester?
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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