Overview Salaries

Salaries in Amherst, MA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Amherst, MA?

The average salary in Amherst, MA is $58,029 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Amherst, MA, showing an average salary of $58,029 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Amherst, MA, showing an average salary of $4,836 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Amherst, MA, showing an average salary of $1,116 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Amherst, MA, showing an average salary of $28 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

The job market in Amherst, MA, offers a range of salary options. The average yearly salary stands at $58,029. Many jobs provide competitive pay, with salaries spread across various industries. Here are some sectors with notable salaries:

Key industries in Amherst, MA, include:

  • Education: $60,145
  • Healthcare: $41,382
  • Retail: $32,000
  • Technology: $88,291
  • Finance: $97,673

These figures show a variety of earning potentials, making Amherst a good place to seek job opportunities.

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What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, offers a variety of top-paying job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare sector. Speech Language Pathologists enjoy the highest average salary of approximately $90,000. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses also secure competitive incomes, with averages of around $85,000 and $78,000, respectively. These positions provide stable and rewarding career paths for those dedicated to patient care and support. Whether aiming for a role in direct patient care or a specialized therapy position, Amherst has much to offer for professionals seeking well-paying jobs.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $89,824 and In Home Caregiver with the lowest at $37,406.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $89,824
    Working in this role, one can expect to help individuals with speech and language difficulties. Hospitals and clinics frequently need professionals to provide therapy. Amherst is home to healthcare facilities that are always looking for dedicated staff.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $84,800
    This position involves providing care for patients and helping with medical procedures. Amherst's healthcare system offers many opportunities for nurses. Local hospitals and private practices need skilled nurses to ensure patient well-being.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,544
    LPNs support doctors and registered nurses in patient care. They work in various settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. Amherst has a strong demand for LPNs to support its healthcare needs.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Paraprofessional
    Average Salary: $49,318
    Paraprofessionals assist teachers in classrooms, helping students with their learning. Schools in Amherst value the support of dedicated paraprofessionals. They work alongside educators to ensure all students receive the best education possible.
    Find Paraprofessional jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. Direct Support Professional
    Average Salary: $41,579
    This role involves supporting individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. Organizations in Amherst rely on compassionate DSPs to provide essential services. They ensure that clients can live as independently as possible.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Amherst, MA


  6. Home Health Aide
    Average Salary: $37,519
    Home Health Aides provide personal care to patients in their homes. Agencies in Amherst offer opportunities for those who want to make a difference in people's lives. They offer essential care and support to those who need it most.
    Find Home Health Aide jobs in Amherst, MA


  7. In Home Caregiver
    Average Salary: $37,406
    Caregivers support elderly or disabled individuals in their own homes. Amherst has many families seeking reliable caregivers. They provide companionship and assistance with daily activities, making a significant impact on people's lives.
    Find In Home Caregiver jobs in Amherst, MA

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

For those seeking top-paying jobs in Amherst, Massachusetts, without needing a college degree, several excellent options exist. Roles in the food service industry, such as server, line cook, and dishwasher, offer competitive pay. These positions typically provide a stable income and the chance to gain valuable work experience. The food service sector in Amherst pays well, with servers earning up to $38,793 and line cooks making around $38,238 annually. Other positions like food service aide, server assistant, and dishwasher also provide solid wages, ranging from $37,463 to $35,878. These jobs not only offer good pay but also provide a chance to work in a dynamic and busy environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $38,793 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $35,878.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $38,793
    In the hospitality industry, servers greet guests, take orders, and serve food. They work in restaurants and cafes. Amherst has many dining options where servers make a difference. They often earn tips, boosting their pay.
    Find Server jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,238
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in restaurants and cafes. This fast-paced job needs attention to detail. Amherst's eateries rely on line cooks to keep kitchens running smoothly. Cooks often work as part of a team.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $37,742
    Food service aides help in the kitchen or dining area. They prepare simple meals, clean up, and assist cooks. Amherst's dining spots depend on aides to keep things clean and running well. It’s a good entry-level job.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,463
    Server assistants support servers by setting tables, clearing dishes, and helping guests. This role is vital in busy restaurants. Amherst offers many chances for server assistants to learn and grow. It’s a great way to start in the food service world.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $35,878
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in a fast-paced environment. Amherst’s dining places rely on dishwashers to keep everything spotless. It’s a steady job with good earning potential.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Amherst, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, hosts several companies that offer competitive salaries to their employees. The Center for Extended Care at Amherst leads with an average salary of $62,465, followed closely by the University of Massachusetts Amherst with an average salary of $61,625. These institutions provide rewarding career opportunities with attractive compensation packages. Other notable employers in the area include the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, Amherst College, and Hampshire College, all offering average salaries above $50,000. These positions contribute to a robust job market in Amherst, making it an appealing location for job seekers. Additionally, Big Y provides an average salary of $40,516, presenting entry-level and mid-level positions that can lead to career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Center for Extended Care at Amherst with the highest at $62,465 and Big Y with the lowest at $40,516.

  1. Center for Extended Care at Amherst
    Average Salary: $62,465
    The Center for Extended Care at Amherst provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. It is part of a larger network focused on patient care and recovery.


  2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Average Salary: $61,625
    The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a top public university offering a wide range of academic programs. It employs a diverse staff including professors, researchers, and support personnel.


  3. Amherst-Pelham Regional School District
    Average Salary: $60,860
    This school district operates several schools, offering education from elementary to high school levels. It provides a range of teaching and administrative positions.


  4. Amherst College
    Average Salary: $54,434
    Amherst College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its strong academics. It offers a variety of positions from faculty to administrative roles.


  5. Hampshire College
    Average Salary: $49,919
    Hampshire College is a unique liberal arts school focusing on interdisciplinary studies. It has a range of positions from faculty to support staff.


  6. Big Y
    Average Salary: $40,516
    Big Y is a regional supermarket chain offering various retail and management positions. It is a key employer in the area.

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

Amherst, MA, shows a cost of living index that significantly exceeds the nationwide average of 100. Housing in Amherst stands at 135, indicating it costs 35% more than the national average. Additionally, while groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are generally close to or slightly above the average, housing remains the primary area of higher expenditure. Job seekers considering Amherst should factor in this 35% increase in housing costs when planning their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for Amherst, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 35% higher, groceries 3% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 2% lower.

Amherst, Massachusetts, boasts a cost of living that varies from the nationwide average. Housing costs in Amherst stand at 35% higher than the average, indicating that potential residents should budget more for rent or mortgage payments. This increase is significant, meaning prospective homeowners or renters should be prepared for higher expenses in this area.


Other categories also reflect differences from the nationwide average. For instance, groceries in Amherst are 3% higher, utilities are 5% lower, and transportation costs are 10% higher. Healthcare costs are slightly up by 15%, while miscellaneous expenses are 2% lower than the national average. These variations offer a clearer picture for job seekers, helping them to understand what to expect when considering a move to Amherst. Overall, while some aspects of living in Amherst are more affordable than the average, others come with higher costs.

There are 171 job openings in Amherst, MA, today!

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Amherst, MA
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