Dartmouth vs Worcester: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Dartmouth, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dartmouth, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,965 | $105,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.46 | $50.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,267 | $84,185▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,596 | $94,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,856 | $139,420▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,797 | $177,837▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10,070▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dartmouth.
The salary gap between Dartmouth and Worcester is $598 (0.57%). Worcester's median is +2.76% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dartmouth spans $73,530,Worcester spans $93,652. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($102,965 effective) pays 6.43% more than Dartmouth ($96,742 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dartmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,837)
- ✓Larger job market (10,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,965)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Dartmouth grew -13.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Dartmouth, MA
$115,199 (2024) → $99,672 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$82,850 (2019) → $100,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dartmouth, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Dartmouth or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dartmouth and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Dartmouth to Worcester as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Dartmouth vs Worcester?
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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