Massachusetts salaries by occupation
The median worker in Massachusetts earned $62,270 a year in 2024, about $29.94 an hour, 25.8% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 620 occupations.
Median pay $62,270 $29.94 per hour
Vs national median +25.8% U.S. $49,500
Workers 3,642,650 wage and salary
Occupations reported 620 with at least 100 employed
What Massachusetts is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | 16.59× | 13,530 | $127,520 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | 7.58× | 3,920 | $107,720 |
| Biological Technicians | 4.78× | 8,610 | $65,020 |
| Microbiologists | 4.51× | 2,110 | $126,260 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 4.38× | 16,170 | $129,230 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 3.73× | 8,880 | $218,800 |
| Materials Scientists | 3.66× | 720 | $118,270 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | 3.12× | 1,080 | $68,210 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 2.98× | 640 | $95,040 |
| Pediatricians, General | 2.93× | 2,980 | $213,230 |
Metro areas in Massachusetts
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 7 Massachusetts metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | $64,620 | $31.07 | 2,707,940 | #6 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | $56,860 | $27.34 | 70,240 | #27 |
| Worcester | $55,300 | $26.59 | 351,970 | #32 |
| Barnstable Town | $53,640 | $25.79 | 93,510 | #42 |
| Providence-Warwick | $51,250 | $24.64 | 706,440 | #60 |
| Pittsfield | $49,970 | $24.02 | 57,390 | #79 |
| Springfield | $49,710 | $23.90 | 198,740 | #89 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $221,710 | $106.59 | 600 | #1 of 31 |
| Psychiatrists | $221,160 | $106.33 | 1,210 | #4 of 10 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $218,800 | $105.19 | 8,880 | #1 of 46 |
| Physicians, All Other | $216,170 | $103.93 | 7,890 | #12 of 18 |
| Pediatricians, General | $213,230 | $102.51 | 2,980 | #10 of 37 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $203,300 | $97.74 | 25,640 | #4 of 49 |
| Marketing Managers | $192,480 | $92.54 | 13,520 | #1 of 47 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $181,910 | $87.46 | 670 | #3 of 33 |
| Financial Managers | $181,170 | $87.10 | 27,690 | #4 of 51 |
| Lawyers | $179,050 | $86.08 | 22,020 | #3 of 49 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $178,800 | $85.96 | 8,210 | #4 of 49 |
| Human Resources Managers | $176,510 | $84.86 | 6,730 | #1 of 48 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 108,090 | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| General and Operations Managers | 105,350 | $123,850 | $59.54 |
| Registered Nurses | 90,190 | $101,970 | $49.03 |
| Retail Salespersons | 86,410 | $36,320 | $17.46 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 81,770 | $35,060 | $16.86 |
| Cashiers | 62,060 | $34,800 | $16.73 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 56,160 | $44,570 | $21.43 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 54,660 | $48,060 | $23.11 |
| Software Developers | 54,260 | $150,520 | $72.37 |
| Office Clerks, General | 50,180 | $48,890 | $23.51 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Massachusetts
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 81
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $105,750
- Power Plant Operators $102,080
- Gas Plant Operators $100,570
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $80,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $76,980
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $76,850
- Tool and Die Makers $65,840
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $65,620
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $65,500
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $62,870
- Furniture Finishers $62,590
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $62,440
- Machinists $62,420
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $61,820
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $61,710
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $61,220
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $60,540
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $59,760
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $59,430
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $59,270
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $58,910
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $57,930
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $57,890
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $55,340
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $53,620
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $52,320
- Medical Appliance Technicians $52,000
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $50,590
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $50,060
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,920
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $49,800
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,700
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $49,530
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $49,490
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $49,420
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $49,350
- Printing Press Operators $49,230
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,990
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,970
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,690
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,630
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,530
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $48,510
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,290
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $48,280
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $47,710
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $47,160
- Upholsterers $47,010
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,400
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,780
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $45,770
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,600
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,530
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $45,050
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $44,980
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,740
- Production Workers, All Other $44,590
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $44,140
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $43,940
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $43,880
- Etchers and Engravers $43,870
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $43,720
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $43,090
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $41,710
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,570
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $41,410
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $40,860
- Sewing Machine Operators $40,370
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,030
- Helpers--Production Workers $39,250
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,970
- Bakers $38,800
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $38,690
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,130
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $37,970
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $36,780
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $36,770
- Food Batchmakers $36,460
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $36,310
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $34,080
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $33,570
Education and library 57
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $164,000
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $135,070
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $130,000
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $108,780
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $103,910
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $103,050
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $102,880
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $102,340
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,830
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $100,780
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $99,630
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $99,600
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $98,220
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $98,100
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $98,050
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $96,410
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $95,730
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $95,040
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $92,600
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $88,990
- Instructional Coordinators $85,780
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $85,500
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $85,020
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $84,280
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $83,490
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $83,260
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $82,880
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $82,740
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $82,580
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $82,440
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $82,030
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $81,970
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $80,300
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $80,270
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $80,140
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,740
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,140
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $78,900
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $78,820
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $78,170
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $77,760
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $77,440
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $76,610
- Curators $75,980
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $75,790
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $74,510
- Archivists $71,790
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $59,950
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $59,130
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $58,980
- Tutors $57,230
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $53,170
- Library Technicians $49,650
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $47,000
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $45,030
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $38,420
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $37,920
Healthcare practitioners 49
- Psychiatrists $221,160
- Physicians, All Other $216,170
- Pediatricians, General $213,230
- Nurse Midwives $155,710
- Optometrists $150,820
- Nurse Practitioners $138,890
- Physician Assistants $138,090
- Pharmacists $136,030
- Veterinarians $131,500
- Podiatrists $128,160
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $110,340
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $104,770
- Radiation Therapists $104,740
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $104,430
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $104,130
- Physical Therapists $102,260
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $101,980
- Registered Nurses $101,970
- Speech-Language Pathologists $101,790
- Dental Hygienists $100,790
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $99,910
- Audiologists $98,620
- Occupational Therapists $98,420
- Respiratory Therapists $96,940
- Genetic Counselors $93,910
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $86,510
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $80,840
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $79,990
- Surgical Technologists $78,300
- Chiropractors $77,760
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $76,560
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $69,760
- Exercise Physiologists $68,950
- Hearing Aid Specialists $67,460
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $67,000
- Therapists, All Other $65,190
- Paramedics $64,010
- Opticians, Dispensing $63,810
- Athletic Trainers $63,720
- Surgical Assistants $61,880
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $58,210
- Recreational Therapists $57,540
- Medical Records Specialists $57,220
- Psychiatric Technicians $52,290
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $47,450
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $47,130
- Emergency Medical Technicians $45,970
- Pharmacy Technicians $44,640
- Dietetic Technicians $39,190
Office and administrative support 47
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $79,360
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $75,240
- Statistical Assistants $68,530
- Postal Service Clerks $61,630
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $61,440
- Financial Clerks, All Other $61,210
- Brokerage Clerks $60,740
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $60,260
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $59,950
- Cargo and Freight Agents $59,700
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $59,310
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $59,010
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $58,780
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $58,550
- Procurement Clerks $57,950
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $57,230
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $57,120
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,530
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $56,400
- Meter Readers, Utilities $55,820
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $55,090
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $54,790
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $54,790
- Order Clerks $54,350
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $53,690
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $53,690
- Bill and Account Collectors $53,160
- Billing and Posting Clerks $52,870
- Word Processors and Typists $51,030
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $50,190
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $49,170
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $48,940
- Office Clerks, General $48,890
- Customer Service Representatives $48,060
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $47,410
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $47,040
- Data Entry Keyers $46,930
- File Clerks $46,570
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $46,160
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $45,960
- Tellers $45,100
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $42,650
- Couriers and Messengers $42,250
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $41,970
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $40,730
- Library Assistants, Clerical $40,030
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $38,490
Management 34
- Natural Sciences Managers $218,800
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $203,300
- Marketing Managers $192,480
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $181,910
- Financial Managers $181,170
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $178,800
- Human Resources Managers $176,510
- Managers, All Other $172,380
- Sales Managers $170,610
- Public Relations Managers $169,760
- Purchasing Managers $168,890
- Training and Development Managers $151,190
- Construction Managers $147,750
- Fundraising Managers $145,380
- Industrial Production Managers $138,600
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $135,270
- Medical and Health Services Managers $132,130
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $127,570
- General and Operations Managers $123,850
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $122,970
- Facilities Managers $121,510
- Emergency Management Directors $115,200
- Administrative Services Managers $108,720
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $107,200
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $94,770
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $93,230
- Education Administrators, All Other $90,550
- Funeral Home Managers $90,430
- Lodging Managers $89,330
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $89,140
- Food Service Managers $85,940
- Social and Community Service Managers $79,050
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $68,660
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $56,570
Installation, maintenance and repair 33
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $119,720
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $106,610
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $104,040
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $101,800
- Rail Car Repairers $97,660
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $94,880
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $87,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $86,780
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $80,300
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $78,540
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $78,450
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $76,990
- Medical Equipment Repairers $74,600
- Riggers $74,560
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $70,540
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $67,590
- Home Appliance Repairers $64,460
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $64,420
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $64,310
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $64,210
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $62,670
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $62,380
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $60,200
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $59,300
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $57,470
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $57,060
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $56,750
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $56,040
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $52,190
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $47,530
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $41,620
- Bicycle Repairers $37,440
- Tire Repairers and Changers $36,850
Transport and material moving 33
- Commercial Pilots $137,150
- Locomotive Engineers $104,950
- Air Traffic Controllers $103,230
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $97,690
- Transportation Inspectors $92,870
- Crane and Tower Operators $76,640
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $74,060
- Flight Attendants $68,650
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $67,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $64,580
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $63,480
- Bus Drivers, School $63,030
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $62,870
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $60,630
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $59,540
- Light Truck Drivers $47,450
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,870
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $45,480
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $45,070
- Aircraft Service Attendants $43,680
- Driver/Sales Workers $42,790
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $40,630
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $39,560
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $38,920
- Stockers and Order Fillers $37,980
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $37,850
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $37,780
- Parking Attendants $36,840
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $36,560
- Passenger Attendants $35,670
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $34,110
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $32,540
- Taxi Drivers $31,950
Construction and extraction 32
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $134,360
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $116,630
- Tapers $107,670
- Glaziers $101,570
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $97,480
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $94,370
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $85,810
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $83,260
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $82,840
- Electricians $82,120
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $80,780
- Construction and Building Inspectors $79,220
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $74,300
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $72,800
- Roofers $72,360
- Carpenters $71,110
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $70,720
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $67,390
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $64,160
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $63,920
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $63,060
- Stonemasons $62,650
- Construction Laborers $62,430
- Pipelayers $60,870
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $60,450
- Highway Maintenance Workers $59,240
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $57,150
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $55,870
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $51,350
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $49,130
- Helpers--Electricians $46,810
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $41,600
Architecture and engineering 31
- Computer Hardware Engineers $170,570
- Aerospace Engineers $152,210
- Nuclear Engineers $141,520
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $133,840
- Engineers, All Other $132,020
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $131,500
- Electrical Engineers $126,010
- Mechanical Engineers $122,670
- Chemical Engineers $119,260
- Environmental Engineers $116,980
- Materials Engineers $111,030
- Industrial Engineers $108,350
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $107,720
- Civil Engineers $104,450
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $101,980
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $90,820
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $89,250
- Drafters, All Other $87,820
- Landscape Architects $84,950
- Surveyors $84,260
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $78,660
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $75,850
- Mechanical Drafters $71,610
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $71,370
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $68,210
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $66,950
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $65,890
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,470
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $63,270
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $62,750
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $50,120
Business and financial 30
- Management Analysts $131,840
- Financial Risk Specialists $118,960
- Project Management Specialists $108,630
- Financial and Investment Analysts $107,610
- Cost Estimators $102,680
- Personal Financial Advisors $101,320
- Insurance Underwriters $100,050
- Labor Relations Specialists $97,490
- Logisticians $96,630
- Accountants and Auditors $96,580
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $93,450
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $93,430
- Loan Officers $93,430
- Compliance Officers $92,890
- Credit Analysts $88,490
- Budget Analysts $88,270
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $87,280
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $86,030
- Financial Specialists, All Other $85,950
- Financial Examiners $85,110
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $84,340
- Human Resources Specialists $81,960
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $81,310
- Fundraisers $74,370
- Training and Development Specialists $73,480
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $73,100
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $72,840
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $71,990
- Credit Counselors $62,060
- Tax Preparers $58,720
Life, physical and social science 29
- Physicists $153,890
- Physical Scientists, All Other $143,640
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $129,230
- Life Scientists, All Other $129,210
- Psychologists, All Other $128,180
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $127,520
- Chemists $126,970
- Microbiologists $126,260
- Materials Scientists $118,270
- Hydrologists $116,750
- Epidemiologists $104,920
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $104,770
- Economists $103,170
- Biological Scientists, All Other $101,140
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $98,720
- School Psychologists $98,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $96,330
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $96,250
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $88,550
- Urban and Regional Planners $88,030
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $87,060
- Conservation Scientists $76,750
- Forensic Science Technicians $75,210
- Foresters $65,390
- Biological Technicians $65,020
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $65,010
- Chemical Technicians $64,920
- Food Science Technicians $57,400
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $54,000
Arts, design, entertainment and media 28
- Art Directors $131,050
- Technical Writers $102,640
- Fashion Designers $99,340
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $99,310
- Film and Video Editors $85,150
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $83,570
- Producers and Directors $79,100
- Editors $78,720
- Writers and Authors $78,440
- Interior Designers $77,190
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $76,500
- Graphic Designers $76,370
- Public Relations Specialists $75,230
- Set and Exhibit Designers $73,290
- Music Directors and Composers $72,760
- Interpreters and Translators $65,490
- Lighting Technicians $62,010
- Audio and Video Technicians $61,680
- Sound Engineering Technicians $61,650
- Photographers $60,610
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $58,890
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $58,320
- Broadcast Technicians $56,600
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $49,670
- Coaches and Scouts $48,250
- Floral Designers $43,250
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,010
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Protective service 20
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $111,460
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $105,150
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $97,520
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $96,450
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $84,650
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $78,830
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $78,680
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $78,610
- Bailiffs $76,770
- Firefighters $73,110
- Transportation Security Screeners $63,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $61,180
- Animal Control Workers $60,120
- Private Detectives and Investigators $57,840
- Parking Enforcement Workers $50,640
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $47,840
- Security Guards $44,950
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $41,010
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $36,830
- School Bus Monitors $36,070
Computing and mathematics 19
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $166,910
- Database Architects $161,160
- Software Developers $150,520
- Computer Network Architects $136,930
- Data Scientists $132,250
- Information Security Analysts $127,610
- Actuaries $122,230
- Computer Systems Analysts $121,580
- Database Administrators $117,420
- Computer Programmers $115,200
- Web Developers $107,570
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $107,560
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $106,090
- Computer Occupations, All Other $105,890
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $104,730
- Statisticians $99,230
- Operations Research Analysts $90,030
- Computer Network Support Specialists $86,290
- Computer User Support Specialists $75,670
Personal care and service 19
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $60,390
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $57,250
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $50,240
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $48,300
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $47,740
- Costume Attendants $47,120
- Residential Advisors $47,120
- Skincare Specialists $45,600
- Funeral Attendants $43,980
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $42,240
- Tour and Travel Guides $39,360
- Childcare Workers $39,290
- Concierges $38,420
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $37,420
- Recreation Workers $36,960
- Animal Caretakers $36,910
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $35,070
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $34,180
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $33,860
Healthcare support 17
- Physical Therapist Assistants $77,780
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $72,750
- Massage Therapists $59,470
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $58,580
- Dental Assistants $57,960
- Medical Equipment Preparers $51,610
- Psychiatric Aides $51,250
- Medical Assistants $48,540
- Phlebotomists $48,270
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $45,480
- Nursing Assistants $45,410
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $39,520
- Orderlies $39,420
- Occupational Therapy Aides $38,690
- Physical Therapist Aides $38,000
- Medical Transcriptionists $37,850
- Pharmacy Aides $37,240
Sales 17
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $106,990
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $98,350
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $82,490
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $80,870
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $78,680
- Advertising Sales Agents $78,120
- Insurance Sales Agents $77,660
- Travel Agents $54,200
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $53,050
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $46,200
- Parts Salespersons $44,460
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $43,080
- Counter and Rental Clerks $42,720
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $38,430
- Telemarketers $36,530
- Retail Salespersons $36,320
- Cashiers $34,800
Community and social service 15
- Social Workers, All Other $94,000
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $90,700
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $78,840
- Healthcare Social Workers $72,280
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $67,880
- Clergy $67,830
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $64,960
- Marriage and Family Therapists $62,290
- Health Education Specialists $62,270
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $61,650
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $59,030
- Counselors, All Other $58,120
- Community Health Workers $54,160
- Social and Human Service Assistants $47,280
- Rehabilitation Counselors $45,730
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $71,330
- Cooks, All Other $67,140
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $46,630
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $46,280
- Cooks, Restaurant $46,280
- Cooks, Short Order $44,770
- Food Preparation Workers $37,780
- Dishwashers $37,350
- Cooks, Fast Food $37,100
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $36,540
- Waiters and Waitresses $36,390
- Bartenders $36,000
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $35,060
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $34,790
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $34,550
Building and grounds maintenance 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $66,010
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $59,760
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $47,050
- Pest Control Workers $45,790
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $44,570
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $38,150
Legal 5
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Massachusetts?
The median across all occupations is $62,270 a year, or $29.94 an hour, covering 3,642,650 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Massachusetts?
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates ($221,710), Psychiatrists ($221,160), Natural Sciences Managers ($218,800) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Massachusetts employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 108,090 employed at a median of $39,520. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Massachusetts electricity averages 28.82¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.