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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Computer Systems Analysts | Technology | $128K | $61.66/hr |
| 72 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Science | $128K | $61.64/hr |
| 73 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $128K | N/A |
| 74 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $128K | N/A |
| 75 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $128K | $61.4/hr |
| 76 | Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Engineering | $128K | $61.33/hr |
| 77 | General and Operations Managers | Management | $127K | $61.16/hr |
| 78 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $126K | $60.79/hr |
| 79 | Actuaries | Technology | $126K | $60.6/hr |
| 80 | Personal Financial Advisors | Business & Finance | $126K | $60.42/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