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What is the average salary in Amherst, MA?

The average salary in Amherst, MA is $57,249 per year.

Amherst, MA, is a great place to find a job with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Amherst is $57,249. This means that many jobs here offer good pay. This salary reflects the region's demand for skilled workers in various industries.

The salary distribution in Amherst shows a range of opportunities. The highest-paying jobs are in sectors like education, healthcare, and engineering. Here are some of the top-paying job categories:

  • Education: $135,000
  • Healthcare: $116,455
  • Engineering: $107,182
  • Information Technology: $97,909
  • Finance: $88,636

These numbers show that Amherst has a strong job market with opportunities for high earnings in many fields.

View jobs in Amherst, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA offers a range of top-paying jobs, particularly in healthcare and education. Job seekers will find excellent opportunities in roles like Behavior Analyst, Registered Nurse, and Licensed Practical Nurse. These positions provide competitive salaries and a chance to work in a vibrant community. Behavior Analysts can expect an average salary of $88,605, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in the area. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses also enjoy strong compensation, with average salaries of $83,408 and $78,417, respectively. These roles not only offer financial rewards but also contribute to the well-being of the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Behavior Analyst with the highest at $88,605 and In Home Caregiver with the lowest at $36,072.
  1. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $88,605
    Help individuals improve their skills and behaviors through tailored interventions. Works in schools, clinics, and community settings. Companies such as ABC Pediatrics and New England ABA Center often hire for these roles.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $83,408
    Provides direct patient care and coordinates healthcare needs. Works in hospitals, clinics, and home care. UMass Memorial Health and Cooley Dickinson Hospital are prominent employers in the area.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,417
    Delivers basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Works in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Baystate Health and Berkshire Health Systems offer many opportunities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $51,095
    Assists behavior analysts in implementing behavior reduction and skill-acquisition plans. Works with individuals of all ages, often in schools and homes. Companies like Autism Learning Partners and BAYA look for skilled technicians.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. Paraprofessional
    Average Salary: $47,621
    Supports teachers in classrooms and helps students with their learning. Works in schools and educational centers. Amherst-Pelham Regional School District and Amherst Regional High School provide many job opportunities.
    Find Paraprofessional jobs in Amherst, MA


  6. Direct Support Professional
    Average Salary: $40,162
    Provides care and support to individuals with disabilities in their homes or community settings. Offers assistance with daily activities and personal care. Companies such as EnableMe and Pathways are often hiring.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Amherst, MA


  7. Home Health Aide
    Average Salary: $37,493
    Assists elderly, ill, or disabled individuals in their homes. Provides personal care and light housekeeping. Agencies like Visiting Nurse Association and Encompass Health often seek qualified candidates.
    Find Home Health Aide jobs in Amherst, MA


  8. In Home Caregiver
    Average Salary: $36,072
    Offers companionship and support to individuals in their homes. Provides daily assistance with activities and personal care. Many caregivers work independently or through smaller care agencies in the area.
    Find In Home Caregiver jobs in Amherst, MA

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

Amherst offers several high-paying opportunities for job seekers who do not hold a college degree. These positions include roles such as Server Assistant and Server, both with average salaries above $37,000 annually. A Server Assistant often helps ensure smooth dining experiences, while a Server directly interacts with customers to take orders and serve food. Additionally, jobs like Line Cook and Dishwasher provide competitive wages that exceed $34,000 each year. Line Cooks prepare ingredients and meals under chefs, and Dishwashers clean kitchen equipment and utensils. These roles offer stable income and the chance to work in vibrant environments, making them attractive options for those without a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA without a degree, highlighting Server Assistant with the highest at $38,222 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $34,155.
  1. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,222
    Assist the server by setting up and clearing tables. Ensure customers have what they need. Work in local restaurants and cafes to gain experience.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $37,992
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and deliver food on time. Interact with guests to provide a great dining experience. Jobs are available at family-owned eateries and trendy spots.
    Find Server jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,781
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly and efficiently. Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Learn from experienced chefs in local dining establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,155
    Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Keep the kitchen area clean and organized. Essential for the smooth operation of dining venues.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Amherst, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, is home to several companies that offer competitive salaries to their employees. The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District leads the way with an average salary of $59,915. Other notable employers include the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which pays an average of $59,078, and Amherst College, which offers $51,952 per year. ServiceNet, Big Y, and The Loomis Communities also provide good compensation, although their average salaries are slightly lower. For job seekers in Amherst, these companies present solid opportunities for career growth and financial stability.
Graph displaying company salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Amherst-Pelham Regional School District with the highest at $59,915 and The Loomis Communities with the lowest at $38,944.
  1. Amherst-Pelham Regional School District
    Average Salary: $59,915
    Amherst-Pelham Regional School District provides quality education to students in the Amherst area. It offers various job opportunities for educators and support staff.


  2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Average Salary: $59,078
    The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a leading research institution. It offers diverse career options for faculty, researchers, and administrative staff.


  3. Center for Extended Care at Amherst
    Average Salary: $54,119
    Center for Extended Care at Amherst provides health care services. It employs skilled nurses, therapists, and support workers.


  4. Amherst College
    Average Salary: $51,952
    Amherst College is a well-known liberal arts college. It offers positions for educators, administrative staff, and support personnel.


  5. Hampshire College
    Average Salary: $49,576
    Hampshire College is a unique institution focusing on experiential learning. It provides jobs in teaching, administration, and support roles.


  6. ServiceNet
    Average Salary: $40,516
    ServiceNet is a non-profit organization offering services to people with disabilities. It provides job opportunities in therapy, support, and administrative roles.


  7. Big Y
    Average Salary: $40,267
    Big Y is a popular grocery store chain. It offers positions for retail staff, management, and support workers.


  8. The Loomis Communities
    Average Salary: $38,944
    The Loomis Communities provide senior living and assisted living services. It offers careers in caregiving, administrative, and support roles.

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

Amherst, MA, has a higher cost of living index compared to the nationwide average, with housing costs being 30% higher. The overall cost of living index in Amherst stands at 108.6, slightly above the national benchmark of 100. This reflects the increased expenses job seekers may face if relocating to Amherst. Each category, except for healthcare, shows costs exceeding the national average. Housing costs, for instance, are notably higher at 30%, while groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the nationwide average. This comprehensive data helps job seekers understand the financial landscape in Amherst, aiding in informed relocation decisions.
Cost of living comparison graph for Amherst, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Amherst, Massachusetts, presents a unique cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Amherst stand at 130 on the index, meaning they are 30% higher than the national average. This increase reflects the demand for accommodation in this academic area. Groceries cost 105 on the index, indicating a 5% rise from the average. Utilities are slightly lower in Amherst, at 95 on the index, which translates to a 5% decrease from the nationwide average.


Transportation costs in Amherst also show a moderate increase, with the index at 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. Healthcare costs, however, remain on par with the national average, both set at 100 on the index. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 15% higher, with an index of 115. These variations highlight the specific economic conditions in Amherst and help potential residents make informed decisions.

There are 197 job openings in Amherst, MA, today!

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Amherst, MA
197 Job Openings