Springfield vs Watertown: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Springfield, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,237▲ | $140,496 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.87▲ | $67.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,843 | $109,751▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,888▲ | $130,708 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,768▲ | $161,335 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,906 | $174,468▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Springfield and Watertown is $2,741 (1.95%). Springfield's median is +4.66% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $63,063,Watertown spans $64,717. Watertown 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, Springfield ($149,110 effective) pays 15.15% more than Watertown ($129,489 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,237/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,110)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,468)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Springfield grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.7% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$110,640 (2019) → $138,460 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$157,427 (2024) → $135,811 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Watertown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Springfield or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Watertown as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Springfield vs Watertown?
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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