Considering nursing jobs in Lawrence, MA? Lawrence is sometimes called the Immigrant City, and is known as a multicultural hub. It’s also remembered for its history of working-class values, embodied by the Bread and Roses strike of 1912.
Located in Essex County, this vibrant community is home to nearly 90,000 residents who need nurses like you to keep them healthy. If you’re weighing your options for a move, or are just curious about the area, here’s what you should know about living and working in Lawrence, MA.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Lawrence, MA
- Is Massachusetts a compact state? No.
- What do RNs earn in Lawrence, MA? The typical nursing salary in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area is $106,980 per year on average, compared to the national average of $89,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Massachusetts? Go to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for information about license requirements. You can also check out our step-by-step guide to nursing license renewal in MA.
What to Know When Looking for Nursing Jobs in Lawrence, MA
Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or NP, Lawrence could be a great next home for you. The area hosts several acute care centers, as well as post-acute facilities, such as outpatient clinics, rehabs, and nursing homes.
If you’re curious about the population you’ll care for in Lawrence, you should know that the area boasts a diverse community — 43% of residents are born outside of the U.S., and over 27% are under 18. Consider brushing up on your cultural competency training before moving to this area. Here are the demographics in Lawrence:
- 82% are Hispanic or Latino
- 26.1% are White
- 15.1% are more than one race
- 5.1% are Black
- 2.1% are Asian
- 0.3% are American Indian or Alaska Native
Working in Lawrence, MA
Lawrence began as one of the first planned communities in the U.S. In this industrial center, developers harnessed the power of the Merrimack River to power textile mills. Industry in Lawrence expanded in the 1950s, and today the area produces textiles, electronics, and computer systems. Lawrence’s compact, industrial downtown reflects the manufacturing industry that still calls the area home.
If you’re interested in working at a hospital, Lawrence General Hospital is within the city, and has been recognized for exceptional stroke and cardiac care. There are also several hospitals in the surrounding townships, including:
- Holy Family Hospital (Methuen, MA)
- Holy Family Hospital (Haverhill, MA)
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center (Burlington, MA)
- Parkland Medical Center (Derry, NH)
- Lowell General - Saint Campus (Lowell, MA)
In addition to hospitals, the area has nursing homes and skilled care facilities that need nurses like you to care for patients. If an office schedule is appealing, there are also several outpatient practices, behavioral health centers, and family medicine clinics in Lawrence.
Residents in Lawrence commute an average of 22 minutes to work. Looking for more transit options? The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) boasts 27 year-round public bus routes from the Lawrence-Lowell area to Newburyport and Salisbury Beach.
If you have kids and will need childcare during work hours, expect to pay an average hourly cost of $21.84 per hour. If your kids are school-age, they might go to one of Lawrence’s 27 public schools.
If you or your family are thinking about post-secondary classes, there are two- and four-year schools in the area to choose from. Northern Essex Community College has a campus in downtown Lawrence, which also houses Regis North — a satellite campus of Regis College.
Living in Lawrence, MA
Lawrence has a fascinating early history. Those interested in learning more about the background of this area, check out the Lawrence History Center and Lawrence Heritage State Park. Looking for more cultural attractions? The Essex Art Center is in downtown Lawrence and features exhibitions and educational programs for all ages.
If you’re on the hunt for shopping and dining attractions, downtown Lawrence features retail, galleries, and restaurants. You could take a stroll along the Spicket River Greenway, or go fishing in Pemberton Park. Boaters can enjoy the winding Merrimack River and other waterways, such as Lake Cochichewick.
Looking for adventure on land? Lawrence is nestled between several natural recreation areas, such as Harold Parker State Forest and the Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area. And if you need some sun and sand, Lawrence is only a short drive from beaches in Salisbury and Plum Island.
If you’re moving to Lawrence from a warm area, you may want to stock up on your winter gear. The area has a cold climate, where winters are freezing and snowy. In January, low temperatures average at 20 degrees, with highs of 36. Summers are warm but not hot, with muggy days that average between 64 and 83 degrees.
Lawrence has a higher cost of living when compared to the rest of the U.S. If you’re thinking of owning a home in the area, the median home cost is $388,200, which is less than the median average in the state at $557,300. Renters can expect to pay $1,600 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, compared to the state average of $2,140.
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