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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Nuclear Engineers | Engineering | $146K | $70.08/hr |
| 42 | Construction Managers | Management | $145K | $69.71/hr |
| 43 | Judicial Law Clerks | Legal | $143K | $68.92/hr |
| 44 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $142K | $68.48/hr |
| 45 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $142K | $68.47/hr |
| 46 | Medical Dosimetrists | Healthcare | $141K | $67.78/hr |
| 47 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $140K | $67.43/hr |
| 48 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | Construction & Trades | $138K | $66.55/hr |
| 49 | Physical Scientists, All Other | Science | $138K | $66.53/hr |
| 50 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Engineering | $138K | $66.46/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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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in Massachusetts
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