Lawrence, Massachusetts: A Thriving Destination for Nurses with Competitive Salaries, Expanding Job Opportunities, and a Rich Community Culture
Looking out over the Merrimack River, here in Lawrence, Massachusetts, we are part of a vibrant fabric of history and community that makes our city unique. Known for its rich industrial past and a colorful immigrant heritage, Lawrence also boasts a nursing job market that’s both dynamic and expansive. Currently, nurses in our city can expect to earn an average hourly wage between $28.00 and $38.00, translating to an annual salary range of roughly $58,240 to $79,040. This sits slightly below the state average of around $39.00 per hour or $81,120 annually, but remains competitive compared to the national average, which is about $37.00 per hour or $77,000 per year as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What makes Lawrence appealing is not just the salary; it’s the tight-knit community feel, accessibility to fast-growing healthcare networks, and proximity to larger metropolitan areas.
The nursing job market in Lawrence is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With approximately 3,500 nurses currently employed here, we anticipate a need for about 140-210 new nurses to enter the field due to an aging population and ongoing demand for healthcare services—a growth of roughly 4% annually. Our healthcare infrastructure features several key players, including Lawrence General Hospital, which is a primary employer for nurses, alongside numerous clinics and outpatient facilities that cater to a diverse population. Furthermore, the city sees a healthy demand for travel nursing and per diem positions, mostly concentrated during the winter months when flu cases typically peak. In comparison to nearby cities such as Haverhill, where the average hourly wage is closer to $37.00, and Methuen, which has about 3,000 employed nurses, Lawrence offers a compelling mix of job opportunities and a robust community.
In addition to its established healthcare offerings, Lawrence is continuously evolving through new investments and developments in the medical field that are likely to further bolster nursing roles. The city hosts an assortment of specialized healthcare facilities, including those focusing on rehabilitation, pediatrics, and behavioral health, ensuring that diverse nursing specialties remain in demand. The current population of Lawrence—approximately 80,000—has been witnessing gradual growth, alongside vibrant public health initiatives aimed at addressing chronic conditions in our community. As we navigate these changes, the lifestyle here is enriched by our cultural diversity, community events, and recreational opportunities, such as the scenic Riverwalk that runs along the Merrimack. For both current and aspiring nurses in our area, opportunities abound, and I encourage you to explore NurseRecruiter to uncover the local job matches and connect with healthcare employers looking for talent right here in Lawrence.
