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

-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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?

-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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?

-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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, 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.



