Registered Nurse Salary in Lawrence, MA: $105,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Lawrence, MA earns a median $105,089/year (≈ $50.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $96,856 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lawrence, Massachusetts, registered nurses can expect a median annual salary of $105,089 as of 2026. This positions local registered nurse pay in Lawrence MA slightly above the national median of $102,730, reflecting a 2.30% premium. Salaries range from $76,346 at the 10th percentile to $147,766 at the 90th percentile, with a notable variation driven by factors such as shift differentials and certifications. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, suggest that working nights or weekends can significantly enhance earnings, making the nursing positions particularly appealing in a city where the demand for healthcare services remains strong due to regional healthcare needs.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($109,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,346 | $36.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,309 | $41.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,089 | $50.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,600 | $59.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,766 | $71.04 |
Median Salary Position
2.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, MA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,420 (2026 est.). At $105,089, the local median is 2.3% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $105,089/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $107,783 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | +2.30% more |
Registered Nurses in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $105,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,783.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,089 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,856 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,983
2025 BLS Actual
$99,790
2026 Current Est.
$105,089
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,983 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,382 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,085 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,335 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,669 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $74,983 (2019) to $99,790 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,669 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,686 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 5.31% 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) | $76,346 – $87,309 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,309 – $105,089 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,089 – $123,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,600 – $147,766 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Lawrence
The healthcare job market in Lawrence is robust, with 16 registered nurses currently employed in the area. The cost of living index sits at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, RNs may encounter higher living expenses that can impact their disposable income. Major employers in the area, such as hospital systems like those providing acute care or operating emergency departments, tend to offer higher salaries compared to home health or ambulatory clinics. Additionally, the discrepancy in pay across the profession often arises from the specifics of nursing roles; for instance, shift differentials can boost earnings—nights typically command an additional $3 to $7 per hour, while weekends may offer $3 to $5 more. Nurses with specialty certifications or those fulfilling charge nurse roles may also see significant increases in their pay. To maximize their earning potential, RNs in Lawrence should consider pursuing certifications relevant to in-demand specialties, alongside seeking opportunities in high-paying settings, and taking advantage of shift differentials.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $99,790 for registered nursesin the Lawrence metropolitan area. A 5.31% 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 Lawrence 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 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov