Barnstable Town vs Boston: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Barnstable Town, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barnstable Town, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,869 | $111,818▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.34 | $53.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,395 | $86,228▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,650 | $99,908▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,275 | $161,524▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,831 | $198,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,860 | 64,240▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barnstable Town.
The salary gap between Barnstable Town and Boston is $2,949 (2.71%). Boston's median is +8.85% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barnstable Town spans $79,436,Boston spans $112,460. Boston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Barnstable Town ($110,694 effective) pays 7.18% more than Boston ($103,281 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barnstable Town if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,694)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,818/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,688)
- ✓Larger job market (64,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Barnstable Town grew 24.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Boston over the same period.
Barnstable Town, MA
$82,880 (2019) → $103,380 (2025)
Boston, MA
$90,480 (2019) → $106,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Barnstable Town, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Barnstable Town or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Barnstable Town and Boston?
Should I relocate from Barnstable Town to Boston as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Barnstable Town vs Boston?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov