Lowell vs Springfield: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lowell, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,736 | $143,237▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.62 | $68.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,695▲ | $106,843 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,397 | $131,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,674▲ | $168,768 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,375▲ | $169,906 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lowell.
The salary gap between Lowell and Springfield is $501 (0.35%). Springfield's median is +4.66% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lowell spans $81,680,Springfield spans $63,063. Lowell 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, Springfield ($149,110 effective) pays 13.35% more than Lowell ($131,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lowell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,375)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,237/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,110)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Lowell grew -13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Lowell, MA
$159,937 (2024) → $137,976 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$110,640 (2019) → $138,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lowell, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lowell or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lowell and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Lowell to Springfield as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lowell vs Springfield?
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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