Nurse Practitioner Salary in Cambridge, MA: $148,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Cambridge, MA earns a median $148,925/year (≈ $71.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $137,258 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nurse practitioners in Cambridge, MA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $148,925, significantly above the national median of $136,864. This salary range reflects considerable diversity in earnings, with the lowest 10% making approximately $108,371 and the top 10% earning around $197,068. The figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting the city’s dynamic healthcare environment. Cambridge’s allowance for full-practice authority simplifies the operational landscape for nurse practitioners, who can practice independently without mandatory collaboration agreements with physicians, thereby influencing salary structures and job opportunities in the region.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($147,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,371 | $52.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,777 | $61.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,925 | $71.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,911 | $85.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,068 | $94.74 |
Median Salary Position
8.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,697 (2026 est.). At $148,925, the local median is 8.81% above the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $148,925/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,375 | +4.60% more |
| National Average | $136,864 | +8.81% more |
Nurse Practitioners in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $148,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.81% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 4.60% above the Massachusetts state average of $142,375.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,925 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,258 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,497
2025 BLS Actual
$143,958
2026 Current Est.
$148,925
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,497 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,521 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,314 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $119,497 (2019) to $143,958 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,565 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $108,371 – $127,777 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,777 – $148,925 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,925 – $176,911 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,911 – $197,068 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Cambridge
The job market for nurse practitioners in Cambridge is relatively limited, with only 22 professionals currently employed in the field. However, this creates a competitive environment among healthcare facilities. The cost of living in Cambridge, with an index of 108.5, suggests that while salaries appear robust, housing and daily expenses are higher than the national average, impacting overall purchasing power. Among employers, hospital outpatient clinics typically offer the highest salaries, with specialty clinics and telehealth platforms also providing attractive compensation packages. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to the population focus of the nurse practitioner, with PMHNPs often commanding the highest wages due to increased demand for mental health services. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring nurse practitioners should consider pursuing advanced certifications and exploring opportunities within telehealth, which often offer flexible arrangements and additional income avenues.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $143,958 for nurse practitionersin the Cambridge metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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