With a population of about 113,600 people, Lowell, MA is much more than a Boston suburb. Here at the intersection of the Merrimack and Concord Rivers, you’ll find New England charm alongside deep historical roots. This area is full of great opportunities, and it’s been voted one of the best places to live. Looking for nursing jobs in Lowell, MA? Here’s what to know about living and working in Lowell.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Lowell, MA
- Is Massachusetts a compact state? No. There is pending NLC legislation, but you’ll need to get a Massachusetts nursing license to practice in the state.
- What do RNs earn in Lowell, MA? Nurses in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area make an average yearly salary of $106,980, compared to the national average of $80,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Massachusetts? Go to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing site to find out about license requirements. You can also check out our three-step guide to nursing license renewal in MA.
What to Know When Exploring Nursing Jobs in Lowell, MA
Whether you’re moving to Lowell or just exploring your options, you can probably find the nursing job you’re looking for here. If you’re an RN, LPN, CNA, or NP looking for acute or post-acute jobs, you’re in luck. Lowell has local hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, and you won’t be far from large medical centers in the Boston area.
Curious about the people you’ll care for here? Lowell is sometimes called a renaissance city for its diversity, and nearly a third of people in the area were born outside of the U.S. Here are the demographics of the people you’ll be caring for in this area:
- 54.3% are White
- 22.6% are Asian
- 17.8% are Hispanic or Latino
- 9.5% are Black
- 7.5% are two or more races
- 0.1% are American Indian or Alaska Native
Additionally, over 20% of Lowell’s population is under 18 years old, so if you work in pediatrics or you’re wanting to make a switch, this is a great area for you.
Working in The Lowell Area
Lowell was the nation’s first planned industrial town, functioned as a textile manufacturing area for much of its history, and was even named for a pioneer in the industry. Today, healthcare is the leading employer in Lowell, followed by academics at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
If you prefer acute medicine, Lowell’s metropolitan area has two local hospitals: Lowell General Hospital, and Lowell General - Saints Campus. Both are satellite campuses for Tufts Medicine, and Tufts’ flagship campus is in nearby Boston. You’re also not far from Lawrence General hospital, and St. Joseph Hospital is just over the border in New Hampshire. Additionally, there are several nursing homes, clinics, rehabs, and other post-acute centers in the area.
The average commute time in Lowell is a little over 27 minutes on average by car. This area boasts a healthy public transit system, with eight bus lines running throughout the city, so you can get by without a car here.
Need childcare during working hours? Expect to pay an average of $20.76 per hour for childcare in this area. The public school system has 27 schools, and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 — a little higher than the state average of 12:1. If your kids are thinking about college in the next few years, this area is also home to several community colleges, public universities, and ivy-league colleges.
Living in Lowell, MA
The average pay for nursing jobs in Lowell, MA is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is higher as well. Lowell has a cost of living index of 144.7, meaning that basic necessities like housing, transportation, childcare, and food cost 44.7% more in Lowell than the national average.
But compared to the rest of Massachusetts, Lowell’s living cost is actually 13.5% less. The Boston metropolitan area drives these higher costs, and Massachusetts has been found to be the third most expensive place to live in the U.S. Other factors that drive the high cost of living are an active job market, high housing costs, and proximity to major ports.
If you’re looking to take in local art and restaurants, check out Lowell’s Canalway Cultural District. With views of the rivers, this downtown area was named one of the 15 Great Places by the American Planning Association. Here, you’ll find a variety of cafes, shops, and local walking areas.
Looking for local history? The Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center has community events and exhibitions that showcase the human story of Lowell. The nearby National Streetcar Museum explores the history of urban rail transportation, and the Whistler House Museum of Art houses the Lowell Art Association.
You’ll also find great outdoor attractions in the area, with over 75 parks maintained year round. You might stroll the lakeside trails at Muldoon Park, or take a bike ride down Concord River Greenway Park. If you’re looking for a more remote experience, the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest is only about 15 minutes from downtown Lowell.
Lowell’s climate is cold and often snowy during the winter and humid in the summer months. In July, the average temperature is 78 degrees, while January’s average hovers around 25 degrees.
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