What is the average salary in Amherst, MA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Amherst, MA?

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



