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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Data Scientists | Technology | $132K | $63.34/hr |
| 62 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | Science | $132K | $63.27/hr |
| 63 | Engineers, All Other | Engineering | $131K | $63.11/hr |
| 64 | Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | Engineering | $131K | $63.08/hr |
| 65 | Financial Risk Specialists | Business & Finance | $130K | $62.69/hr |
| 66 | Psychologists, All Other | Science | $129K | $62.22/hr |
| 67 | Database Administrators | Technology | $129K | $62.16/hr |
| 68 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Management | $129K | $62.01/hr |
| 69 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $128K | N/A |
| 70 | Computer Programmers | Technology | $128K | $61.73/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