Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Framingham, MA: $106,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $106,938 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $98,560 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,672) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduate nurse practitioners entering the workforce in Framingham, Massachusetts, can expect to see starting salaries around $106,938. This figure marks the entry-level threshold, significantly below the city's overall median annual salary for nurse practitioners, which is projected at $142,672. However, as early-career professionals gain experience, they can anticipate their earnings to grow through various salary ranges leading up to more substantial pay, with projections indicating a move toward $124,412 within the first few years. Given the area's increasing demand for healthcare professionals and a growth trajectory of 3.45% annually, this market presents a favorable environment for recent graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($147,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Framingham
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Framingham, MA typically start between $106,938 and $124,412 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,090 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,672 — 4.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 130.92% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($106,938/year) in Framingham. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $106,938 to $124,412, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Framingham, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Framingham is $79,090 ( 73.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $106,938, experienced hygienists can earn up to $186,028.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$83,042
2025 BLS Actual
$103,372
2026 Current Est.
$106,938
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,042 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,425 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,628 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $83,042 in 2019 to $103,372 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $110,628. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Framingham
A variety of employers in Framingham hire newly licensed nurse practitioners, including primary care offices, urgent care chains, and larger hospital systems that often feature structured onboarding or residency programs. Telehealth platforms are also a viable route for PMHNP graduates given the high demand for mental health services. Crucially, to maximize starting position and salary potential in Massachusetts, new NPs should ensure they hold an active RN license, an MSN or DNP from an accredited institution, and national certification from either the ANCC or AANP. Additionally, obtaining a state NP license and prescriptive authority can further enhance job prospects. Strategy-wise, the first 1-3 years may see modest salary growth, particularly in mental health niches, yet the varying scope of practice across states could impact future compensation. As Massachusetts supports independent practice for many NPs, those leveraging their credentials effectively can position themselves for a successful career trajectory in this thriving healthcare market.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Framingham?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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