What the data says about registered nurse pay in Boston
After a simplified 14% national tax estimate that is about US$7,600 a month, in a metro with a cost-of-living index of 100.
How Boston compares with United States and MA
San Jose leads at US$216,740, 104% above Boston, while Jacksonville sits at US$83,520. The neighbours in the ranking are New York and Washington.
With Boston as the sole MA entry for registered nurses, the useful benchmarks are national: 8th of 21, +9% vs the median.
Cost of living and take-home in Boston
Living costs are close to the baseline (COL index 100), so the median's buying power, about US$106,200, is near its face value.
Adjusting for prices does not move Boston in the ranking: it is 8th of 21 on both cash and buying power.
Run the median through our simplified tax model (14% effective) and about US$7,600 lands each month. Budget US$1,650 for a modeled 1-bedroom — 22% of pay — and other modeled costs, and roughly US$4,140 remains.
Boston vs similar-cost metros
A registered nurse moving from Boston to New York (similar cost level, COL 100) would see the median rise 13% to US$119,720, with US$880 more left over monthly in our model.
In Los Angeles — similar cost level, COL 100 — the median is US$135,560 (+28% vs Boston), and the modeled budget leaves US$1,890 more each month.
In Chicago — similar cost level, COL 100 — the median is US$100,490 (-5% vs Boston), and the modeled budget leaves US$370 less each month.
Registered Nurse vs other occupations in Boston
Registered Nurse ranks 8th of 9 occupations with observed Boston data. Lawyer leads the city at US$183,350.
Closest neighbours in the Boston list: Frontend Developer at US$108,520 (+2%) and Accountant at US$100,150 (-6%).
Entry-level vs senior registered nurse pay in Boston
The Boston market rewards seniority more than entry: the 90th percentile (US$188,670) ranks 3rd of 21, but the 10th (US$81,880) only 8th.
For the top 10% of earners, San Jose leads with US$235,190 at the 90th percentile, +25% against Boston.
The registered nurse pay range in Boston
Pay is spread out: US$81,880 at the 10th percentile to US$188,670 at the 90th (2.3×). Level and setting matter more than the city average here.