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What is the average salary in Amherst, MA?

The average salary in Amherst, MA is $57,967 per year.

Amherst, MA, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary here is $57,967. This average is influenced by several key sectors:

Some of the highest paying jobs in Amherst include:

  • Healthcare: 32.73%
  • Education: 19.84%
  • Technology: 9.26%

These sectors provide a good mix of roles with salaries ranging from $41,983 to $141,809 per year. A diverse range of industries means job seekers can find positions that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Amherst, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. The top-paying jobs in the area include Speech Language Pathologists, with an average salary of $89,930. Registered Nurses also earn well, with an average salary of $80,289. These positions provide excellent pay and the chance to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. Apart from these, other roles such as Paraprofessionals and Direct Support Professionals offer competitive wages, supporting a good quality of life. Home Health Aides, while lower on the pay scale, still provide a decent income. Exploring these fields can lead to both financial security and rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $89,930 and Home Health Aide with the lowest at $38,384.
  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $89,930
    Work with patients to improve their communication skills. Opportunities exist in hospitals, schools, and private practices. Companies like UMass Memorial Health often hire these professionals.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $80,289
    Provide patient care and support medical procedures. Positions are available in hospitals and clinics. Local hospitals like Cooley Dickinson Health Care offer various nursing roles.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Paraprofessional
    Average Salary: $48,468
    Assist teachers in classrooms to support student learning. This role can be found in public and private schools. Amherst Regional School District often hires paraprofessionals.
    Find Paraprofessional jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Direct Support Professional
    Average Salary: $43,556
    Help individuals with disabilities in their homes and communities. Work for nonprofits and care facilities. Options include agencies like Easter Seals and local care providers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. Home Health Aide
    Average Salary: $38,384
    Provide personal care services to clients in their homes. Assist with daily activities and monitor health. Companies hiring include local health agencies and home care services.
    Find Home Health Aide jobs in Amherst, MA

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

Amherst, MA, offers a variety of top-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Among the best options are roles in the food service industry, such as server, line cook, and dishwasher. Servers in Amherst earn an average salary of nearly $42,000, making it a lucrative choice for those without a college degree. Similarly, line cooks and dishwashers offer competitive pay, averaging around $38,000 and $38,000, respectively. These positions provide a solid earning potential and valuable experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $42,196 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $37,919.
  1. Server
    Average Salary: $42,196
    People in this role serve food and drinks to customers. They work in restaurants and cafes, often in fast-paced environments. Popular local employers include The Gourmet, a well-known eatery.
    Find Server jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,546
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook dishes under the direction of a head chef. This job is busy and requires teamwork. It's found in various local restaurants, such as popular spots like The Kitchen.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,104
    Server assistants support servers by setting tables and clearing dishes. This role helps keep the restaurant running smoothly. Local diners and cafes, like The Cozy Spot, often need these workers.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,919
    This position involves cleaning dishes, glasses, and utensils. It's a hands-on job found in many places where food is served. Local eateries, such as The Bistro, hire dishwashers regularly.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Amherst, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, hosts several top-tier employers offering competitive salaries. Leading the pack is the Center For Extended Care, with an average salary of $67,924. Following closely, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an average salary of $63,426. Job seekers interested in education and research may find these institutions particularly attractive due to their robust compensation packages. Additionally, Amherst Regional High School stands out with an average salary of $62,131, showing a strong commitment to educators in the area. Other notable companies include Amherst College and Hampshire College, both of which provide average salaries above $50,000, making them excellent choices for those seeking rewarding career opportunities in Amherst.
Graph displaying company salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Center For Extended Care with the highest at $67,924 and Big Y World Class Market with the lowest at $40,739.
  1. Center For Extended Care
    Average Salary: $67,924
    Center For Extended Care offers a range of healthcare services. They are known for their compassionate care and strong employee support.


  2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Average Salary: $63,426
    This is a leading public research university. It offers diverse academic programs and a vibrant campus life. The university values education and innovation.


  3. Amherst Regional High School
    Average Salary: $62,131
    Amherst Regional High School is a part of the public education system. It provides quality education to students in the area. The school community is supportive and involved.


  4. Amherst College
    Average Salary: $55,421
    Amherst College is a highly regarded liberal arts college. It offers excellent academic programs and a strong sense of community. The college is dedicated to student success.


  5. Hampshire College
    Average Salary: $50,668
    Hampshire College is known for its progressive approach to education. It offers a unique curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning. The college fosters a creative and inclusive environment.


  6. Guardian Angel Senior Services
    Average Salary: $41,079
    Guardian Angel Senior Services provides care for seniors. They are committed to enhancing the quality of life for their clients. The organization values compassion and reliability.


  7. Big Y World Class Market
    Average Salary: $40,739
    Big Y World Class Market is a popular grocery store in the area. It offers a wide range of products and a friendly shopping experience. The company supports its employees with various benefits.

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

Amherst, MA, showcases a higher cost of living than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are 21% above the national index, and groceries sit at 10% higher. While utilities and transportation prices remain close to the national average, healthcare and miscellaneous expenses also show modest increases. This data indicates that potential residents should expect living expenses in Amherst to be notably higher, particularly for housing and groceries. Planning for these expenses can help ensure a smoother transition for those considering moving to Amherst.
Cost of living comparison graph for Amherst, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 21% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 2% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 1% lower.

Amherst, Massachusetts, exhibits a cost of living index that is higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs in Amherst stand at 121, which is 21% higher than the average. This means that living expenses for residents are significantly higher when it comes to finding a place to live. This increase could be a factor to consider for job seekers relocating to the area, especially those who have not thoroughly researched housing options.


In addition to housing, other costs are also noteworthy. Groceries cost 110 in Amherst, which is 10% more than the national average. This increase affects daily living expenses, making food a slightly pricier item in Amherst. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs remain relatively close to the national average. Utilities are at 95, which is 5% lower, while transportation is at 102, a 2% increase. Healthcare costs are just 5% higher at 105, and miscellaneous expenses are almost even at 99. Overall, while housing and groceries stand out as more expensive, other daily living costs in Amherst are fairly comparable to the average American city.

There are 204 job openings in Amherst, MA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Amherst, MA

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Amherst, MA
204 Job Openings