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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Life Scientists, All Other | Science | $125K | $60.22/hr |
| 82 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $125K | $60.13/hr |
| 83 | Chemists | Science | $125K | $60.09/hr |
| 84 | Facilities Managers | Management | $124K | $59.66/hr |
| 85 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | Management | $124K | $59.53/hr |
| 86 | Emergency Management Directors | Management | $123K | $59.25/hr |
| 87 | Ship Engineers | Transportation | $123K | $59/hr |
| 88 | Microbiologists | Science | $122K | $58.82/hr |
| 89 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Technology | $122K | $58.76/hr |
| 90 | Historians | Science | $122K | $58.51/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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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