Cambridge vs Worcester: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Cambridge, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cambridge, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,925▲ | $139,782 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.60▲ | $67.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,371 | $108,974▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $127,777 | $129,364▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,911▲ | $168,251 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,068 | $211,069▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Cambridge and Worcester are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cambridge and Worcester is $9,143 (6.54%). Cambridge's median is +8.81% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cambridge spans $88,697,Worcester spans $102,095. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cambridge ($137,258 effective) pays 0.67% more than Worcester ($136,342 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cambridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,925/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,258)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,069)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cambridge grew -8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Cambridge, MA
$157,243 (2024) → $143,958 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$118,950 (2019) → $135,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cambridge, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Cambridge or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cambridge and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Cambridge to Worcester as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cambridge vs Worcester?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov