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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $267K | $128.51/hr |
| 12 | Physicians, All Other | Healthcare | $237K | $113.74/hr |
| 13 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | Legal | $222K | $106.59/hr |
| 14 | Pediatricians, General | Healthcare | $221K | $106.33/hr |
| 15 | Podiatrists | Healthcare | $218K | $104.66/hr |
| 16 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $215K | $103.35/hr |
| 17 | Marketing Managers | Management | $212K | $101.93/hr |
| 18 | Financial Managers | Management | $207K | $99.4/hr |
| 19 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $201K | $96.84/hr |
| 20 | Sales Managers | Management | $191K | $91.92/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