Top Paying Jobs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 599,430 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Radiologists ($426,560), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($392,300), Surgeons, All Other ($387,150). The cost of living index is 100.09 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $2,347/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$166K
Avg. median salary
100.09
Cost of living index
$2,347
Median 2BR rent
7,081,200
Population
Highest paying careers in Massachusetts
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Anthropologists and Archeologists | Science | $121K | $58.32/hr |
| 92 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | Production & Manufacturing | $121K | $58.18/hr |
| 93 | Pile Driver Operators | Construction & Trades | $121K | $58.16/hr |
| 94 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | Construction & Trades | $121K | $58.1/hr |
| 95 | Plant and System Operators, All Other | Production & Manufacturing | $121K | $58.01/hr |
| 96 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Repair & Maintenance | $119K | $57.43/hr |
| 97 | Hydrologists | Science | $119K | $57.38/hr |
| 98 | Mechanical Engineers | Engineering | $119K | $57.36/hr |
| 99 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | Sales | $119K | $57.2/hr |
| 100 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $118K | $56.85/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Massachusetts
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average+0.1% more expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$2,347/mo
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Metro areas in Massachusetts
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Massachusetts?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data