Registered Nurse Salary in Worcester, MA — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Worcester's cost of living (index: 116). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Registered Nurse Salary in Worcester — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Worcester
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Worcester
Worcester has a metro population of 1,000,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Worcester
Other Professions in Worcester
Registered Nurse Salary — Other Massachusetts Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make in Worcester, MA?
The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Worcester is $99,841 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Worcester's cost of living index (116). The typical salary range runs from $79,912 (25th percentile) to $124,920 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $153,909.
Is Worcester affordable for a Registered Nurse?
On a $99,841 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Worcester would spend approximately 19.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,650/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Worcester relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 3.8× the annual salary.
How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Worcester's overall income?
Worcester's median household income is $71,400. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $99,841 earns 39.8% more than the typical Worcester household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.