Nurse Practitioner Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $135,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $135,304/year (≈ $65.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $124,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the expected median annual salary for nurse practitioners is projected to be $135,304 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $136,864. Nurse practitioners in the area earn between $107,891 at the lower end of the spectrum to $176,064 at the higher end. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, specifically the cost of living index of 108.5, indicating that this area is slightly above the national average. The salary structure reflects the primary role of nurse practitioners, including the impact of Massachusetts' full-practice authority that allows them greater autonomy, compared to states requiring collaboration agreements with physicians.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($147,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,891 | $51.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,687 | $58.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,304 | $65.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,273 | $77.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,064 | $84.64 |
Median Salary Position
1.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,173 (2026 est.). At $135,304, the local median is 1.14% below the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $135,304/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,276 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $136,864 | -1.14% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $135,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.14% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $142,276.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,304 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,704 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,568
2025 BLS Actual
$130,792
2026 Current Est.
$135,304
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,568 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,407 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,304 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,224 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,792 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $108,568 (2019) to $130,792 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,404 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $107,891 – $122,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,687 – $135,304 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,304 – $160,273 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,273 – $176,064 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Chelmsford
The local job market for nurse practitioners in Chelmsford consists of about eight individuals currently employed in this role, indicating a tight community with limited positions available. The relatively high cost of living can impact income purchasing power, making it essential for practitioners to strategically consider their employment options. Among local employers, outpatient clinics and primary care practices tend to offer more competitive compensation than urgent care chains or retail clinics. The salary range is largely influenced by the specialization of the nurse practitioner, with those focusing on psychiatric mental health typically commanding higher wages. Moreover, opportunities for productivity bonuses or additional income through telehealth platforms can further enhance earnings, making specialty-focused roles particularly lucrative. Maximizing compensation in Chelmsford involves seeking positions that leverage full-practice authority and remain informed about local employment trends.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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 $130,792 for nurse practitionersin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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