Registered Nurse Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, Massachusetts$134,400 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Registered Nurse Salary in Cambridge

Entry Level
$85,680
Median
$134,400
Senior Level
$193,200

Registered Nurse salaries in Cambridge are 68% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in Cambridge

Cambridge, MA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Cambridge offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Biotechnology sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in Cambridge

City of CambridgeMBTAMIT

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in Cambridge include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Cambridge offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in Cambridge

Living in Cambridge as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month (61% above the national average of $1,800). Housing costs are manageable for Registered Nurse salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $2,200/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

168
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in Cambridge

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in Cambridge: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in Cambridge is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Cambridge offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Relocating to Cambridge

Cambridge has a very high cost of living. Many Registered Nurses negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Cambridge, MA is $134,400 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $85,680, while experienced professionals can earn $193,200 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Cambridge a good city for Registered Nurses?

Cambridge is an excellent choice for Registered Nurses. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in Cambridge?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in Cambridge include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in Cambridge?

Cambridge's cost of living is significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month. Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in Cambridge?

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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