Registered Nurse in Somerville, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Somerville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Somerville’s nursing salaries are solid, but the real story is in the details. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Somerville is $89,065/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.82/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $86,070/year, but don’t pop the champagne just yet—Boston’s high cost of living eats into that advantage. For context, the metro area—which includes Somerville, Cambridge, and surrounding towns—has 723 open RN jobs right now, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. That’s steady demand, but not explosive growth.

To understand where you fit in, let’s break down salaries by experience. Boston-area hospitals use a step-based system, often tied to years of experience and certifications. Here’s a realistic local breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Somerville Metro)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $82,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $98,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$110,000 - $135,000+

Insider tip: New grads often start at the lower end, but hospitals like Mount Auburn (just across the river in Cambridge) and Boston Medical Center (a short T ride away) offer shift differentials that can add $3-$6/hour for nights, weekends, or holidays. If you’re in a specialty like ICU, ER, or OR, you can command $5-$15/hour more than general med-surg.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Somerville is a sweet spot. Boston proper pays slightly more (median $91,000+), but rent is 15-20% higher. Worcester offers lower pay (median $78,000) and much lower rent. Springfield is cheaper still, but with fewer major hospitals. Somerville gives you access to Boston’s elite hospitals without the full downtown price tag—assuming you can find housing.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. On a $89,065 salary, your take-home pay after Massachusetts state tax (5%), federal tax (approx. 12% effective rate), and FICA will be around $63,000-$65,000 net annually, or about $5,250-$5,400 per month. That’s before any 401(k) or health insurance deductions.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom in Somerville is $2,064/month. For a Registered Nurse earning the median, that’s about 39% of your net monthly income—above the recommended 30%, but common for Boston-area professionals. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an RN earning $89,065:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	% of Net Income
Rent (1BR)	$2,064	39%
Utilities	$150	3%
Groceries	$400	8%
Transportation	$100 (T pass)	2%
Health Insurance	$200 (employer)	4%
Student Loans	$300	6%
Savings/Retirement	$500	9%
Discretionary	$500	9%
Total	$4,214	79%

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Somerville is $850,000+. With a $89,065 salary, a 20% down payment ($170,000) is nearly two years of net income. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes/insurance) would exceed $4,500/month, which is 85% of your net pay—not feasible. Most RNs in Somerville rent or buy in more affordable suburbs like Malden, Medford, or Everett, where prices drop to $500,000-$650,000. If you’re partnered or have dual income, buying becomes possible.

Insider tip: Look for "hospital-affordable housing" programs. Partners HealthCare (now Mass General Brigham) offers subsidized units for staff in nearby Cambridge and Somerville, but waitlists are long.

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Where the Jobs Are: Somerville's Major Employers

Somerville itself is a residential city, but it’s surrounded by world-class medical centers. Most RNs work in Cambridge or Boston, with easy commutes via the Red (Alewife), Orange (Assembly), or Green (Medford/Tufts) lines. Here are the key employers:

1. Mass General Brigham (MGB) - Cambridge Hospital (0.5 miles from Somerville line): A major teaching hospital with 500+ beds. They’ve been hiring aggressively for med-surg, oncology, and behavioral health units. MGB uses a unionized pay scale (MNA) with annual raises and excellent benefits. Hiring trend: High demand for BSN-prepared nurses.

2. Mount Auburn Hospital (Cambridge, 1 mile from Davis Square): A Harvard-affiliated community hospital known for its cancer center and cardiac care. Smaller (200 beds) but tight-knit. They prioritize nurses with 3+ years of experience and offer $5,000 sign-on bonuses for critical care and ER roles. Hiring trend: Steady, with a focus on specialty certifications.

3. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) (Boston, 15 min via Red Line): A Level 1 trauma and teaching hospital. High-acuity environment with strong ICU, OR, and labor & delivery teams. They offer shift differentials up to $8/hour for overnights. Hiring trend: High turnover in med-surg, frequent openings.

4. Tufts Medical Center (Boston, 20 min via Orange Line): A downtown academic medical center. Known for its pediatric and neonatal units. They have a nurse residency program for new grads and offer $10,000 tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees. Hiring trend: Active hiring for pediatric specialties.

5. Boston Medical Center (BMC) (Boston, 20 min via Red Line): A safety-net hospital with a diverse patient population. Offers $15,000 loan repayment for nurses in high-need areas (psych, community health). Hiring trend: Strong need for bilingual nurses (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese).

6. Somerville Hospital (MGB) (Somerville proper): A small, community-focused hospital (130 beds) specializing in primary care, rehab, and behavioral health. Less acute, but a great entry point. Hiring trend: Stable, with openings in rehab and outpatient care.

7. Partners HealthCare Home Health (Serves Somerville residents): For RNs who prefer home care. Caseloads are manageable, and you get to know patients in their communities. Hiring trend: Growing due to aging population.

Insider tip: The Boston-area job market is network-driven. Attend events at the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) office in Somerville or join the "Boston Nurse Network" on LinkedIn. Many jobs are posted internally first.

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Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts requires a state license to practice as an RN. If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Verify Your Credentials: Your nursing education must be from an accredited program. If you have an ADN, you’ll need a BSN to be competitive in Boston (many hospitals require it).
2. NCLEX Passing: You must have passed the NCLEX-RN. If you’re licensed in another state, you’re likely already past this step.
3. Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN): Submit an online application through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Health Profession Licensing Portal.
4. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required for all applicants. Cost: $55 (paid to IdentoGO).
5. Pay Fees: $160 for licensure by endorsement.
6. Wait: Processing takes 4-8 weeks. You can work under a temporary permit while waiting.

Total Cost: ~$220 (plus any fees for transcript verification).
Timeline: Start your application 2-3 months before your move. You can work in a non-clinical role (e.g., clinic assistant) under a temporary permit.

Insider tip: If you’re a new grad, the MA Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) does not include Massachusetts. You must get a MA license. However, if you hold a compact license from another compact state (like NH), you can practice in MA temporarily (90 days) while you apply—this is a great buffer.

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Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Somerville is a small city (7 sq mi) with distinct neighborhoods. Proximity to the T and hospitals is key. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent (Est.)	Best For…
Davis Square	Hip, walkable, near Red Line. 15 min to Cambridge.	$2,200-$2,400	Young professionals, easy access to MGB Cambridge.
Union Square	Up-and-coming, diverse, near Green Line. 20 min to downtown.	$2,000-$2,200	Budget-conscious, close to BIDMC via Orange Line.
Teele Square	Residential, quiet, near Davis. 20 min to hospitals.	$1,900-$2,100	Families, longer commutes but more space.
Prospect Hill	Historic, hilly, great views. 25 min to Boston.	$2,100-$2,300	Those who want charm and don’t mind walking to T.
Winter Hill	Up-and-coming, near Assembly Row (Orange Line).	$1,950-$2,150	Commuters to BIDMC or Tufts via Orange Line.

Insider tip: Avoid driving to hospitals. Parking is $40-$60/day at most Boston-area hospitals. Use the T or bike. Davis Square is the most popular for nurses—it’s safe, has a 24-hour CVS, and you’ll find many fellow RNs at the local coffee shops.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Somerville’s nursing career path is tied to Boston’s academic medical centers. Advancement means specialization or leadership.

Specialty Premiums: In the Boston market, these certifications add $5-$10/hour:

• Critical Care (CCRN): ICU, ER, PACU
• Oncology (OCN): Dana-Farber, MGB oncology units
• Pediatrics (CPN): Tufts, Boston Children’s
• Perioperative (CNOR): OR roles at MGH, BIDMC

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have a 4-step ladder (I to IV) with $3,000-$6,000 annual raises for pursuing education, precepting, and quality improvement projects.
• Leadership: Nurse Manager roles (requiring MSN) pay $115,000-$140,000. DNP-prepared nurses can become Clinical Nurse Specialists or Nurse Practitioners, earning $120,000-$150,000+.
• Education: Hospitals like MGH and Brigham offer $10,000-$20,000/year tuition reimbursement for MSN or DNP programs (e.g., Northeastern, Boston College, MGH Institute).

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady, not booming. The biggest drivers are the aging population and the retirement of baby boomer nurses. The demand will be strongest for:

• Geriatrics & Home Health: With Somerville’s aging population.
• Mental Health & Behavioral Health: Post-pandemic surge.
• Nurse Practitioners: With more autonomy in primary care.

Insider tip: Join the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). They offer free career counseling, certification prep courses, and legal protection. Their annual conference in Boston is a networking goldmine.

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The Verdict: Is Somerville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Access to top-tier hospitals (MGH, Brigham, BIDMC) with career growth.	High cost of living—rent and home prices are steep.
Strong job market with 723 openings and 6% growth.	Competitive—BSN is often required, and specialties are valued.
Walkable, vibrant city with great food, parks, and diversity.	Parking is a nightmare—car ownership is optional but T is essential.
Median salary of $89,065 is above national average.	Work-life balance can be tough with 12-hour shifts and on-call duties.
Strong union presence (MNA) for job protection and benefits.	Winters are cold and dark—seasonal affective disorder is real.

Final Recommendation: Somerville is an excellent choice for RNs who prioritize career advancement and urban living over home ownership. If you can tolerate the rent and want to work at world-class hospitals, it’s a top-tier destination. It’s less ideal for new grads with high debt or those seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle. For mid-career nurses (3-10 years experience), the salary-to-opportunity ratio is hard to beat.

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FAQs

1. Can I commute from a cheaper suburb and still work in Somerville?
Absolutely. Many nurses live in Medford, Malden, or Everett (1BR rent $1,600-$1,900) and take the T or drive. The commute to Cambridge hospitals is 20-30 minutes. Just factor in the $90/month MBTA pass.

2. Do I need a BSN to get hired in Somerville?
For competitive hospitals (MGH, Brigham, BIDMC), yes. Smaller community hospitals like Somerville Hospital may hire ADN nurses, but they often require you to enroll in a BSN program within 2 years. The Boston market is BSN-preferred.

3. How do shift differentials work locally?
Expect $3-$6/hour extra for nights (7pm-7am), weekends, and holidays. Some hospitals offer "charge pay" ($2-$4/hour) for taking leadership on a shift. Overnight ICU or ER roles can push your hourly rate to $48-$52/hour, significantly boosting your annual income.

4. Is there a nursing shortage in Somerville?
Yes, but it’s specialty-specific. There’s high demand for ICU, ER, OR, and psych nurses. Med-surg and rehab roles are more competitive. The 723 openings in the metro area reflect this—some hospitals have 30+ openings in one unit.

5. What’s the best way to find housing as an RN with a non-traditional schedule?
Use Facebook groups like "Somerville Roommates" or "Boston Nurse Housing." Many landlords are familiar with shift work and will accommodate. Also, check hospital-affordable housing lists—MGB and BIDMC have dedicated portals for staff. Insider tip: Apply in May-June, when college students leave and apartments open up.

Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, Zillow Rent Data, Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research).