Nurse Practitioner Salary in Arlington, MA: $140,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Arlington, MA earns a median $140,220/year (≈ $67.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $129,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse practitioners in Arlington, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $140,220 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $136,864, reflecting a positive trend for local compensation. The salary range for this role varies significantly, sitting between $109,073 at the 10th percentile and up to $173,582 at the 90th percentile. This financial outlook is based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adapted for local cost adjustments. Notably, Massachusetts is regarded as one of the full-practice authority states, allowing nurse practitioners to operate independently, which can contribute to competitive salaries and a broader range of job opportunities. With only 9 nurse practitioners currently employed in Arlington, the relative scarcity may lead to advantageous conditions for those entering the field.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($147,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,073 | $52.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $124,683 | $59.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,220 | $67.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,710 | $78.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,582 | $83.45 |
Median Salary Position
2.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, MA, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,509 (2026 est.). At $140,220, the local median is 2.45% above the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Arlington median: $140,220/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $142,356 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $136,864 | +2.45% more |
Nurse Practitioners in Arlington, MA earn a median of $140,220 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $142,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,220 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,235 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,513
2025 BLS Actual
$135,544
2026 Current Est.
$140,220
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,513 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,418 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,592 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,117 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,544 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,058 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $112,513 (2019) to $135,544 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,058 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,545 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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 3.45% 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) | $109,073 – $124,683 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $124,683 – $140,220 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,220 – $163,710 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,710 – $173,582 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Arlington
In terms of the local job market, Arlington’s cost of living index of 108.5 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, critically affecting take-home pay. The top-paying employers in the area likely include hospital outpatient clinics and primary care practices. The salary differences among practitioners may be influenced by several factors, such as the chosen specialty, with psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) often earning more due to high demand. Additionally, options for 1099 agreements with telehealth platforms can provide supplemental income. Nurse practitioners looking to maximize their pay in Arlington should consider specializing in high-demand areas and exploring opportunities in full-practice environments, leveraging their independence for greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 $135,544 for nurse practitionersin the Arlington metropolitan area. A 3.45% 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 Arlington 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 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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