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What is the average salary in Amherst, MA?

The average salary in Amherst, MA is $57,854 per year.

Amherst, MA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $57,854, which positions it well among other regions. Salaries span from lower to higher positions, providing a broad range of income levels.


The salary distribution in Amherst includes several key sectors. The top sectors by percentage distribution are: professional services at 32.71%, education at 19.82%, healthcare at 9.71%, retail at 8.79%, and manufacturing at 7.96%. Other notable sectors include information technology, finance, and public administration. This diverse distribution shows the range of opportunities available and the corresponding salary expectations.

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What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA?

Job seekers in Amherst, MA, have plenty of high-paying opportunities. Among the best options are roles in healthcare. Speech Language Pathologists lead the way with an average salary of $89,972. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses also offer solid earnings at $85,002 and $78,842, respectively. These positions are in high demand, providing excellent career stability and growth potential. Job seekers with the right qualifications can expect competitive salaries. Opportunities in healthcare promise both financial rewards and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $89,972 and Home Health Aide with the lowest at $37,651.
  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $89,972
    This role involves assessing and treating patients with speech, language, and communication disorders. Work in clinics, hospitals, or schools. UMass Amherst and Bay Cove Human Services offer such positions.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,002
    Provide and manage patient care in hospitals or clinics. Requires a degree and licensure. UMass Memorial Health and Cooley Dickinson Hospital are notable employers in the area.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,842
    Offer basic patient care in medical facilities. Requires a license and training. Opportunities are available at local hospitals and care facilities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Paraprofessional
    Average Salary: $49,826
    Support teachers in classrooms, helping students with special needs. Work in public or private schools. Amherst Regional School District and private academies hire for this role.
    Find Paraprofessional jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. In Home Caregiver
    Average Salary: $37,784
    Provide care for individuals in their homes, including assistance with daily activities. Work for private families or care agencies. Bay Cove Human Services and private employers seek caregivers.
    Find In Home Caregiver jobs in Amherst, MA


  6. Home Health Aide
    Average Salary: $37,651
    Assist clients with personal care and household tasks. Must be compassionate and patient. Opportunities exist with home health agencies and private clients.
    Find Home Health Aide jobs in Amherst, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA without a degree?

Amherst, MA offers several top-paying job opportunities for those without a degree. Food service roles such as servers and line cooks provide solid incomes. The average salary for servers is around $38,814, while line cooks earn about $38,343 annually. These positions often require strong work ethic and basic skills. Roles like server assistants, dishwashers, and food service aides also offer competitive pay. Server assistants make approximately $37,463, dishwashers earn about $36,207, and food service aides about $37,742 per year. Each of these jobs provides a chance for stable and rewarding employment in the vibrant community of Amherst.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $38,814 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $36,207.
  1. Server
    Average Salary: $38,814
    Work in various eateries and cater to guests. Serve food and beverages. Take orders and ensure customers have a pleasant experience. Companies like local restaurants and cafes offer these roles.
    Find Server jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,343
    Prepare meals in a fast-paced environment. Follow recipes and instructions. Work alongside the kitchen team. Opportunities can be found in fine dining restaurants and casual eateries.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $37,742
    Assist in the kitchen or at the counter. Help with meal prep and clean as needed. Support the kitchen staff in busy food service settings. Local restaurants and cafeterias hire for these positions.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,463
    Support the server in providing excellent service. Set tables and clear dishes. Interact with guests and help create a welcoming atmosphere. Work in restaurants and food service establishments.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,207
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure all items are spotless. Maintain a clean kitchen area. This role can be found in various dining establishments and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Amherst, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, offers job seekers access to several high-paying companies. The Center for Extended Care at Amherst leads with an average salary of $65,115, providing a competitive edge for healthcare professionals. The University of Massachusetts Amherst follows closely, with an average salary of $61,816 for its employees, making it a desirable place for educators and researchers. Potential employees will find attractive opportunities with the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, where the average salary sits at $61,219. Amherst College and Hampshire College also offer substantial salaries, averaging $54,740 and $49,852, respectively. Big Y, a local supermarket chain, provides a decent salary of $40,591, making it a solid option for those looking for retail positions. These figures highlight the range of opportunities available in Amherst, offering various paths for career growth and financial stability.
Graph displaying company salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Center for Extended Care at Amherst with the highest at $65,115 and Big Y with the lowest at $40,591.
  1. Center for Extended Care at Amherst
    Average Salary: $65,115
    The Center for Extended Care at Amherst offers healthcare services. They focus on providing care for patients who need extended medical services. They value their staff and offer competitive salaries.


  2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Average Salary: $61,816
    The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a top public research university. It offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. The university values its faculty and staff, offering salaries that reflect this commitment.


  3. Amherst-Pelham Regional School District
    Average Salary: $61,219
    The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District provides education services. They serve students in the Amherst and Pelham areas. This district values its educators and offers salaries that reflect this appreciation.


  4. Amherst College
    Average Salary: $54,740
    Amherst College is a private liberal arts college. It offers a rigorous academic environment. The college values its faculty and staff and offers salaries that are competitive in the region.


  5. Hampshire College
    Average Salary: $49,852
    Hampshire College is a small liberal arts college. It offers unique interdisciplinary programs. The college values its educators and offers salaries that reflect their commitment to quality education.


  6. Big Y
    Average Salary: $40,591
    Big Y is a regional supermarket chain. It provides a variety of grocery and household items. The company values its employees and offers salaries that are competitive in the retail industry.

How does the cost of living in Amherst, MA compare to the national average?

Amherst, MA has a cost of living index higher than the nationwide average in several categories. Specifically, housing costs 10% more, groceries 5% more, and miscellaneous expenses 2% more. Despite these increases, utilities and healthcare costs align closely with the national average. Seeking employment in Amherst may require a higher salary to maintain the same standard of living as in areas with a lower cost of living. The overall cost of living in Amherst is 7% above the national average, making it essential for job seekers to consider this when planning their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for Amherst, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 10% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 2% higher.

Amherst, Massachusetts, stands out with a cost of living index slightly above the national average. Housing costs in Amherst are 10% higher, reflecting an index of 110 compared to the national average of 100. For those considering this area, housing expenses will be notably higher, requiring careful budgeting.


In addition to housing, groceries in Amherst also exceed the national average by 5%, with an index of 105. Despite utilities being slightly below the average at an index of 95, this minimal reduction might not significantly offset higher costs elsewhere. Healthcare and miscellaneous expenses match the national average, offering some balance in overall living costs. Job seekers should weigh these factors when planning their move to Amherst.

There are 167 job openings in Amherst, MA, today!

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Amherst, MA
167 Job Openings