Boston vs Dracut: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Boston, MA and Dracut, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Dracut, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,818▲ | $103,217 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.76▲ | $49.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,228▲ | $77,715 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,908▲ | $87,373 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,524▲ | $117,788 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,688▲ | $141,005 |
| Total Employed | 64,240▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dracut.
The salary gap between Boston and Dracut is $8,601 (8.33%). Boston's median is +8.85% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $112,460,Dracut spans $63,290. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($103,281 effective) pays 8.57% more than Dracut ($95,131 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,818/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,688)
- ✓Larger job market (64,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,281)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Dracut if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Boston grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.5% growth in Dracut over the same period.
Boston, MA
$90,480 (2019) → $106,180 (2025)
Dracut, MA
$113,281 (2024) → $98,013 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Dracut, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Boston or Dracut?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Dracut?
Should I relocate from Boston to Dracut as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov