Waltham vs Worcester: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Waltham, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Waltham, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,511 | $139,782▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.59 | $67.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,359 | $108,974▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,188 | $129,364▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,082 | $168,251▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,579 | $211,069▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Waltham and Worcester is $1,271 (0.92%). Worcester's median is +2.13% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Waltham spans $73,220,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, Worcester ($136,342 effective) pays 6.80% more than Waltham ($127,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,782/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,069)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,342)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Waltham grew -13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Waltham, MA
$155,203 (2024) → $133,892 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$118,950 (2019) → $135,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waltham, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Waltham or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Waltham and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Waltham to Worcester as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Waltham 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