Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $67.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse practitioner working in Worcester, MA runs $67.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,867 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Worcester, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly rate for nurse practitioners is $67.20, surpassing the national median of $65.80. This competitive rate provides an attractive opportunity for those looking to work part-time, such as individuals opting for three-day work weeks, where they would earn a substantial income while maintaining a better work-life balance. Per-diem nurse practitioners in various settings, including primary care examination rooms, urgent care facilities, and telehealth platforms, can expect to earn between $52.39 and $101.47 per hour, depending on their level of experience and the specific demands of their role. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data not only highlights the city's potential for competitive pay, but also indicates a thriving market for nurse practitioners in Worcester, where 840 professionals are currently employed in diverse medical environments.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52.39 | $419.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.19 | $497.55 |
| Median (P50) | $67.20 | $537.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.89 | $647.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.47 | $811.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $67.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.20/hr, a nurse practitioner working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $139,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,641. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,688.04 | $11,648 | $139,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,612.83 | $6,989 | $83,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,075.22 | $4,659 | $55,911 |
Compare NP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (Worcester) | $67.20 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $103.40 |
| Nurse Midwife (National Avg) | $63.85 |
Nurse Practitioners in Worcester, MA earn a median of $139,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 1.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $142,344.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.20/hr = $83,867/year (purchasing power: $81,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,778/year (purchasing power: $136,339).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Worcester grew 13.6% from $57.19/hr (2019) to $64.96/hr (2025). At a 3.45% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.52/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nurse practitioners can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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.
Working as an Hourly Nurse Practitioner in Worcester
Part-time nurse practitioners working three days a week can expect to take home around $84,038 annually, a figure that does not quite match the full-time earning potential of $139,782, yet still reflects the favorable conditions of the job market in Worcester. For those considering per diem work, especially with agencies or locum tenens arrangements, the financial outlook can be significantly lucrative. Locum nurse practitioners often bill $80 to $140 per hour based on specialty, while psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) engaged in telehealth can command rates between $150 and $200 per hour for asynchronous medication management services. It's noteworthy that hourly wages can vary across employer types; for example, urgent care chains, retail clinics, and specialty clinics may offer distinct pay structures that influence overall compensation. Some NPs may opt for lower hourly pay with benefits, thus weighing their financial choices against health insurance needs. When negotiating hourly rates in Worcester, understanding the local demand and leveraging available data can empower practitioners to advocate effectively for their desired compensation.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Worcester in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nurse practitioners in Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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