How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Massachusetts?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Massachusetts costs $440 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $120, license fee $120). Renewal runs $120 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Massachusetts?

Licensed registered nurses in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $98,900/year, compared to $48,300/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Massachusetts

Registered Nurse License Cost in Massachusetts 2026: $440 Fees, $99K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Massachusetts costs $440 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Massachusetts — Key Numbers

$440

Upfront Cost

$99K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$120

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Massachusetts

Exam fee $200

Application fee $120

Initial license fee $120

Total upfront $440

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $120

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Massachusetts) $48,300/yr

Salary with license (Massachusetts) $98,900/yr

5-year net ROI $253K

Licensing body: Massachusetts Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Massachusetts — What to Know

Massachusetts RN salaries rank among the highest in the country. The $99K median reflects the state's strong hospital systems and above-average nursing demand. The NCLEX-RN fee is fixed nationally at $200; state application and license fees add another $350 to the upfront cost. Massachusetts has active travel nursing markets — contracted rates in major hospitals run $40–$65/hour. BSN-prepared nurses in Massachusetts command a consistent hiring premium over ADN graduates.

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Other License Costs in Massachusetts

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Massachusetts · Payback period by state

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