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Nursing jobs in Massachusetts 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Surplus
+7,790
Surplus -11%
Median Annual Salary
$117,960
$56.71/hr
COL-Adjusted
$83,508
COL index: 133
Compact State?
No
Single-state license

Key insight

In Massachusetts, there is a surplus of 7,790 registered nurses as of 2026 — 11% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $117,960 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $83,508 in national terms. Because of the surplus, EB-3 sponsorship opportunities here are limited — better options exist in shortage states.

Top hiring cities

  • • Boston
  • • Worcester
  • • Cambridge

State nursing board

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Endorsement fee: $275 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal