Registered Nurse in Fall River, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

If you're a Registered Nurse (RN) looking at Fall River, you're probably weighing a competitive salary against New England's cost of living. Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for an RN in the Fall River metro area is $86,302 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.49. It's worth noting that this is slightly above the national average for RNs, which sits at $86,070/year (data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023). For context, the metro area—which includes Fall River and nearby Somerset—has approximately 844 jobs for RNs, and the 10-year job growth projection is a steady 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable, reflecting the consistent demand for nursing in an aging population hub like ours.

To understand what this salary means in practice, let's break it down by experience level. The numbers in this table are estimates based on regional data and typical pay progression for Massachusetts RNs.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Fall River)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$72,000 - $80,000	Basic patient care, medication administration, learning unit protocols.
Mid-Level	3-8	$82,000 - $95,000	Managing complex cases, precepting new nurses, charge nurse duties.
Senior-Level	9-15	$92,000 - $108,000	Specialized certifications, clinical leadership, quality improvement projects.
Expert/Specialist	15+	$105,000 - $125,000+	Nurse practitioner roles, clinical nurse specialist, direct management.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Fall River offers a unique value proposition. It's significantly cheaper than Boston, where the median RN salary is closer to $95,000 but rents are often double what you'll find here. It's also more affordable than Worcester, where salaries are similar but the cost of living is a touch higher. The trade-off in Fall River is that while you'll earn a solid wage, you might not see the same top-tier salaries found in the medical research hubs of Cambridge or the super-specialized hospitals in Boston's Longwood Medical Area. However, for a mid-career RN, the purchasing power in Fall River can be superior.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $86,302 sounds great, but let's ground it in reality. Taking home $41.49/hour requires a clear-eyed view of your monthly budget. For this breakdown, we'll assume a single filer with no dependents, using a simplified tax estimate (approx. 25% for federal, state, and FICA). This is a rough guide—your actual take-home will depend on your specific deductions.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $86,302 / 12 = $7,192
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (25%): ~$1,798
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,394

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fall River is $1,398 per month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 100.9, just a hair above the national average (100), meaning your dollar goes slightly less far here than in the average U.S. city, but far further than in Boston or New York.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (RN Earning Median Salary):

• Net Income: $5,394
• Rent (1BR): -$1,398
• Utilities (Est.): -$250 (Electric, gas, internet)
• Groceries: -$450
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$500 (Fall River is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not full employer-paid): -$300
• Student Loans (Avg. RN): -$300
• Miscellaneous (Food, Personal, Entertainment): -$500
• Remaining/For Savings: ~$1,696

This budget leaves a healthy cushion for savings, retirement contributions, or discretionary spending. The key is that rent is manageable at this salary level.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Fall River is around $400,000 (as of early 2024). With a 20% down payment ($80,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment (PITI) of roughly $2,500. That's a significant jump from rent and would consume nearly half of your net income. For a dual-income household or a senior RN with a higher salary, homeownership is very attainable. For a single, entry-level RN, it's a stretch that would require aggressive saving and likely a smaller condo or a home outside the city center.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

Fall River's healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players, each with its own culture and specialties. The job market here is stable, but you need to know who's hiring and for what.

1. Charlton Memorial Hospital (Part of Southcoast Health System): This is the city's flagship hospital. It's a community hospital with a Level III Trauma Center, a cardiac care unit, and maternity services. Southcoast is a major regional employer, and they frequently hire for med-surg, telemetry, and ED roles. Insider Tip: Southcoast uses a centralized hiring system. Apply directly on their careers page, but also connect with unit managers on LinkedIn. Hiring is steady, with occasional surges when their seasonal float pool needs expansion.

2. St. Anne's Hospital (Part of Steward Health Care): Another critical community hospital in the South End, known for its cancer center and orthopedics. Steward has faced financial headwinds in the past, but St. Anne's remains a stable employer for RNs, especially in oncology and med-surg. They often have positions for new grads and offer tuition reimbursement for specialty certifications.

3. Bristol Community College (BCC) Nursing Program: While not a direct patient care employer, BCC is a massive pipeline. They host clinical rotations for students, and their faculty includes working RNs. For career growth, BCC offers affordable LPN-to-RN and RN-to-BSN programs, which are crucial for advancement.

4. The Eleanor Briggs House & Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association: This is where the home health and hospice jobs are. Southcoast VNA serves a large region. These roles offer autonomy and a different pace from hospital work. Hiring trends favor RNs with strong assessment skills and a valid driver's license. The demand is high due to the aging population.

5. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: Fall River has a significant number of nursing homes, including The Arbors and Landmark Medical Center (now part of CharterCARE). These facilities are always looking for RNs, especially for night and weekend shifts. The work is demanding but can be a great entry point for new grads or those transitioning from acute care. Turnover can be higher here, leading to more frequent hiring opportunities.

6. Local Urgent Care Clinics: Places like Southcoast Health Urgent Care or CareWell Urgent Care in nearby Somerset offer alternative schedules (no overnight shifts). These are competitive positions for experienced RNs seeking work-life balance.

Insider Tip: The "Southcoast Health" ecosystem is the biggest game in town. Knowing someone on the inside or having a BCC connection can get your foot in the door. For those in home health, the VNA is the primary employer, and they value reliability and experience with chronic disease management.

Getting Licensed in MA

If you're moving from another state, you'll need a Massachusetts RN license. The process is managed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. It's straightforward but requires time and documentation.

1. Check Eligibility: You must have graduated from an approved nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN. If your license is from another compact state (MN is not a compact state, so you'll need to apply), you'll still need to apply by endorsement.

2. Apply Online: The application is submitted through the state's eLicense portal. You'll need to provide official transcripts, proof of passage of the NCLEX (or your license number from another state), and a passport-style photo. The application fee is $230 (subject to change).

3. Submit to Pearson VUE: If you need to take the NCLEX here, you must register with Pearson VUE, and your eligibility will be verified by the Board.

4. Timeline: The process can take 6-12 weeks from the time you submit a complete application. It's crucial to start this process before you move, especially if you have a job offer contingent on licensure. You can work in a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or other non-RN role while waiting, but you cannot practice as an RN.

Costs Involved:

• Massachusetts RN License Application Fee: $230
• NCLEX-RN Exam Fee (if applicable): $200
• Fingerprints/Background Check: ~$75 (via approved vendor)
• Total Estimated Cost: $505+

Insider Tip: The Massachusetts Board is responsive to email inquiries. If you have a complex situation (e.g., an expired license from another state), email them before applying. Also, keep digital copies of every document you submit; the state sometimes loses paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Fall River is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and commute profile. Proximity to the major hospitals (Charlton Memorial and St. Anne's) is a key factor.

1. The Highlands (Central): This is the classic, residential Fall River neighborhood. It's close to Charlton Memorial Hospital (a 5-10 minute drive) and has a mix of single-family homes and apartments. The area is quiet, with good access to shops on Maple Street. Commute: Very easy to the hospital. Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500. Lifestyle: Family-friendly, stable, with a strong community feel.

2. North End: This neighborhood borders the Taunton River and is known for its historic homes and proximity to the waterfront. It's a bit farther from the major hospitals (10-15 minute drive), but it's scenic and less congested. Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals. Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,650. Lifestyle: Older, more established area. Good for nurses who value a quiet, historic setting.

3. South End: Home to St. Anne's Hospital. The neighborhood is a mix of residential and commercial, with easy access to the highway (I-195). It's less "polished" than the Highlands but is highly convenient for St. Anne's staff. Commute: Under 5 minutes to St. Anne's; 10 minutes to Charlton. Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400. Lifestyle: Practical and no-nonsense. Ideal for maximizing sleep time before a shift.

4. The Flints/Somerset (Border Area): While technically in Somerset, many Fall River RNs live here for the better-rated school districts and slightly more suburban feel. It's a short drive to both hospitals. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Rent (1BR): $1,450 - $1,700 (slightly higher). Lifestyle: Suburban, family-focused. A popular choice for nurses with children.

5. Downtown Fall River: This is the up-and-coming area, with renovated mill lofts and a growing arts scene. It's walkable and has a younger vibe. Commutes to the hospitals are easy (5-10 minutes). Rent (1BR Loft): $1,500 - $1,800. Lifestyle: Urban, energetic, but can be noisier. Great for single nurses who want to be near restaurants and events.

Insider Tip: For shift workers, noise and light are enemies. When looking at apartments, especially in older buildings in the Highlands or North End, check for soundproofing and blackout curtains. A south-facing apartment might be great for natural light, but not for a day-sleeper.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnating is a real risk if you don't plan your career. Fall River offers pathways, but you have to be proactive. The 10-year job growth of 6% is a baseline; your personal growth will depend on specialization and education.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated Annual Increase):

• ICU/Critical Care: +$5,000 - $8,000
• Emergency Department: +$4,000 - $7,000
• Operating Room (Perioperative): +$3,000 - $6,000
• Oncology/Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN): +$4,000 - $7,000
• Labor & Delivery: +$3,000 - $5,000

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals (Southcoast, Steward) have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN III or IV can bring annual stipends of $2,000 - $5,000. This is based on certification, education, and leadership.
2. Advanced Practice: To become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you'll need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Bristol Community College and Bridgewater State University offer RN-to-MSN programs. Salaries for NPs in the Fall River area start around $110,000.
3. Leadership: Charge Nurse → Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing. This path requires a BSN (at minimum) and often an MSN. It moves you away from bedside care but offers higher salaries ($100,000 - $140,000+).
4. Education & Certification: Pursuing a specialty certification (e.g., CCRN for critical care) is the single most effective way to boost your salary and marketability. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement for certification exams.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for RNs in Fall River will remain strong, driven by the aging population and the need for chronic disease management. The growth won't be in new mega-hospitals, but in home health, outpatient surgery, and specialty clinics (e.g., dialysis, wound care). The RN who invests in a BSN and a specialty certification will see the highest earnings and job security. The rise of telehealth is also a future opportunity, allowing some remote triage or care coordination roles.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

To make your decision, here’s a clear-eyed comparison of what life as an RN in Fall River entails.

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: A median salary of $86,302 goes further here than in most of MA.	Limited Top-Tier Specialties: Fewer opportunities for ultra-niche specialties compared to Boston.
Manageable Housing Costs: Rent is significantly lower than in Boston or Worcester.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; a car is a near-necessity for commuting.
Stable Job Market: 844 jobs and 6% growth provide steady opportunities.	Economic Challenges: The city has areas of poverty and a limited "professional" networking scene.
Proximity to Nature: Close to the South Coast beaches, Dartmouth, and Rhode Island.	Older Housing Stock: Many apartments/homes have outdated infrastructure (poor insulation, old wiring).
Less Competitive: Easier to land a first job or a transition role than in Boston.	Cultural Amenities: Limited high-end dining, arts, and shopping; you'll drive to Providence or Boston for big events.

Final Recommendation: Fall River is an excellent choice for an RN who values financial stability and work-life balance over a high-pressure, ultra-specialized career. It's ideal for:

• New Grads looking for a supportive, less competitive entry into the field.
• Mid-Career Nurses seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing a solid income.
• Nurses with families who want affordable, spacious housing and good school districts in nearby suburbs.

If your career goal is to work in a world-renowned research hospital or be at the cutting edge of a rare surgical technique, look to Boston. But if you want a stable, affordable, and community-focused nursing career where your salary provides a comfortable life, Fall River is a compelling and often overlooked option.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new graduate. What's the starting salary I can expect in Fall River?
A: As a new graduate RN, you can expect an annual starting salary between $72,000 and $80,000. Hospitals often have sign-on bonuses ($5,000 - $15,000)