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What is the average salary in Amherst, MA?

The average salary in Amherst, MA is $58,075 per year.

Amherst, MA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. On average, employees earn about $58,075 per year. This figure reflects the diverse job market in the area, providing a good opportunity for career growth and financial stability.


The salary distribution spans from about $32,000 to over $142,000 annually. Key sectors like education, healthcare, and technology tend to pay higher salaries. Here is a breakdown of how salaries typically range:

  • Education: 35.21%
  • Healthcare: 19.05%
  • Technology: 7.74%
  • Finance: 11.30%
  • Retail: 6.22%
  • Construction: 3.33%
  • Manufacturing: 4.86%
  • Government: 4.13%
  • Real Estate: 1.07%
  • Arts and Entertainment: 1.24%
  • Others: 0.85%
View jobs in Amherst, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Amherst, MA?

In Amherst, MA, several jobs offer competitive salaries, providing good opportunities for job seekers. The top paying jobs in the area include roles such as Speech Language Pathologist and Registered Nurse. These positions come with average salaries of $90,260 and $79,741 respectively, making them attractive choices for those seeking financial stability. Other notable jobs include Paraprofessional, Direct Support Professional, and Home Health Aide. These roles offer average salaries ranging from $43,720 to $47,440, providing decent earnings. Each of these jobs offers a chance to work in supportive roles, whether in healthcare or education. Job seekers in Amherst will find these positions offer both rewarding work and good compensation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $90,260 and Home Health Aide with the lowest at $38,338.
  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,260
    Speech Language Pathologists work with patients of all ages, helping those with communication and swallowing disorders. In Amherst, they find opportunities in local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Many work with UMass Memorial Health, providing essential services to those in need.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,741
    Registered Nurses provide vital care to patients in a variety of settings. Amherst offers opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Many RNs work with UMass Memorial Health, known for its quality healthcare services and patient care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Paraprofessional
    Average Salary: $47,440
    Paraprofessionals assist teachers and educators in classrooms to help students learn. In Amherst, they support both public and private schools, working closely with teachers and students. Many work with the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, ensuring all students receive the support they need.
    Find Paraprofessional jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Direct Support Professional
    Average Salary: $43,720
    Direct Support Professionals provide care and assistance to individuals with disabilities. In Amherst, they often work with nonprofit organizations and state agencies. Many find jobs with companies like the Amherst Regional Public Schools, offering essential support to those in need.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Amherst, MA


  5. Home Health Aide
    Average Salary: $38,338
    Home Health Aides help people with daily tasks and provide essential care in their homes. In Amherst, they work with agencies and local healthcare providers. Many find opportunities with companies like CareBridge Health, offering compassionate care to patients in their homes.
    Find Home Health Aide jobs in Amherst, MA

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

Job seekers in Amherst, MA, have several excellent opportunities in high-paying roles that do not require a degree. For instance, servers can earn an average of $42,295 annually. Similarly, line cooks, server assistants, and dishwashers provide competitive wages, with averages of $38,658, $38,104, and $37,640, respectively. These positions offer stable incomes and valuable experience for career growth. Exploring these roles can lead to fulfilling work with good earning potential. The food service industry offers various entry-level jobs that do not need a college degree. These positions allow individuals to gain practical skills and make a good living while exploring career options.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Amherst, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $42,295 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $37,640.
  1. Server
    Average Salary: $42,295
    Work at local restaurants, serving food and drinks to guests. Learn to take orders and handle payments. Companies like Panera Bread and local cafes offer these opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Amherst, MA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,658
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced environment. Follow recipes and cook multiple dishes simultaneously. This role is available at popular spots like Dunkin' and local diners.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Amherst, MA


  3. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,104
    Support servers by setting up tables and cleaning areas. Assist with serving guests and refilling supplies. Ideal for those looking to gain experience in the food service industry.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Amherst, MA


  4. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,640
    Wash dishes and clean kitchen areas. Operate dishwashing machines and ensure cleanliness. Opportunities can be found at various eateries, including coffee shops and family-owned restaurants.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Amherst, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Amherst, MA?

Amherst, MA, offers a range of opportunities with varying salary levels across different companies. Generally, the Center For Extended Care and the University of Massachusetts Amherst provide the highest salaries. Candidates can expect average salaries around $68,075 at the Center For Extended Care and about $64,326 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Among the best-paying companies in Amherst, the Center For Extended Care stands out with the highest average salary of $68,075. Following closely is the University of Massachusetts Amherst, offering an average salary of $64,326. These figures present solid options for job seekers looking for competitive compensation in the Amherst area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Amherst, MA, highlighting Center For Extended Care with the highest at $68,075 and Big Y World Class Market with the lowest at $40,570.
  1. Center For Extended Care
    Average Salary: $68,075
    The Center For Extended Care provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They focus on patient care and recovery. Their staff includes nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.


  2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Average Salary: $64,326
    The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research university. It offers a wide range of programs. Faculty and staff work in research, teaching, and community service.


  3. Amherst Regional High School
    Average Salary: $62,540
    Amherst Regional High School provides secondary education to students in the area. The school supports learning with a range of programs and activities. Teachers and staff focus on student success.


  4. Amherst College
    Average Salary: $56,082
    Amherst College is a private liberal arts college. It offers undergraduate programs in various fields. Faculty and staff aim to provide a strong education and support to students.


  5. Hampshire College
    Average Salary: $50,326
    Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college. It focuses on interdisciplinary education. Faculty and staff work to provide a unique and challenging academic experience.


  6. Guardian Angel Senior Services
    Average Salary: $40,764
    Guardian Angel Senior Services provides in-home care for seniors. They offer assistance with daily activities. Caregivers provide support and companionship to seniors in their homes.


  7. Big Y World Class Market
    Average Salary: $40,570
    Big Y World Class Market is a supermarket. It offers a variety of grocery items. Employees work in various roles, including sales, stocking, and management.

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

Amherst, MA, exhibits a cost of living index that surpasses the nationwide average across various sectors. Housing costs notably stand at 130, indicating a 30% increase over the national benchmark. Meanwhile, groceries, healthcare, and utilities also reflect higher costs at 110, 115, and 95, respectively, while transportation aligns closely with the average at 105. These figures highlight the elevated expenses job seekers may encounter in Amherst compared to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Amherst, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Amherst, Massachusetts, stands out with a cost of living index that generally exceeds the nationwide average. Specifically, the cost of housing in Amherst is 30% higher than the national average. This increase highlights that prospective residents and job seekers might need to allocate a larger portion of their budget to secure adequate housing.


Beyond housing, other expenses in Amherst also tend to be higher. For instance, groceries cost about 10% more than the nationwide average, while transportation costs are 5% higher. Healthcare costs in Amherst are also 15% above the average. Despite these higher costs, utilities and miscellaneous expenses remain on par with the national average, offering some relief in specific areas. Overall, the cost of living in Amherst requires careful financial planning, making it important for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their move.

There are 179 job openings in Amherst, MA, today!

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Amherst, MA
179 Job Openings