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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Management | $184K | $88.5/hr |
| 22 | Managers, All Other | Management | $183K | $87.96/hr |
| 23 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $182K | $87.39/hr |
| 24 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $182K | $87.31/hr |
| 25 | Lawyers | Legal | $177K | $84.94/hr |
| 26 | Public Relations Managers | Management | $172K | $82.57/hr |
| 27 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $171K | $82.09/hr |
| 28 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Technology | $171K | $81.97/hr |
| 29 | Computer Hardware Engineers | Engineering | $168K | $80.58/hr |
| 30 | Software Developers | Technology | $165K | $79.43/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