Overview Salaries

Salaries in Salem, MA

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Salem, MA?

The average salary in Salem, MA is $69,414 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Salem, MA, showing an average salary of $69,414 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Salem, MA, showing an average salary of $5,784 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Salem, MA, showing an average salary of $1,335 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Salem, MA, showing an average salary of $33 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Salem, MA, presents a range of employment opportunities with varied salary levels. Professionals in this area can expect an average yearly salary of about $69,414. This figure provides a good overview of what to anticipate across different career paths.


The salary distribution shows a spread across various sectors. Jobs with lower percent distributions tend to have lower salaries. For example, those in roles making up 1.54% of the market earn around $139,748 annually, while those in the 8.88% category earn about $71,780. Higher percent distributions often correlate with lower salary brackets, showing the distribution of opportunities and pay across different fields. This gives job seekers insight into potential earnings based on their industry and role.

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What are the best paying jobs in Salem, MA?

Salem, MA, offers many career opportunities for job seekers who want to earn a good salary. The city provides high-paying jobs across different sectors. For example, a Speech Language Pathologist makes an average salary of about $113,946 a year. Other top paying jobs include Traveling Nurses and Registered Nurses, with averages around $112,794 and $110,047 respectively. These roles need specialized skills and training, but they offer great rewards. In Salem, healthcare jobs dominate the list of highest paying positions. Radiologic Technologists and Respiratory Therapists also earn attractive salaries. They make about $106,997 and $101,722 a year. These roles require dedication to patient care and a certain level of education. Behavioral health jobs also pay well, with Behavior Analysts earning around $96,648. Non-healthcare jobs like General Managers and Maintenance Technicians also offer good pay, making Salem a great place to find a well-paid career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Salem, MA, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $113,946 and Certified Nursing Assistant with the lowest at $42,262.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $113,946
    This job involves working with patients to improve their communication skills. It requires collaboration with healthcare professionals. Opportunities exist at various medical facilities and rehabilitation centers.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Salem, MA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $112,794
    Traveling nurses provide care in different locations. They adapt to various healthcare settings. This role offers flexibility and experience in diverse environments.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Salem, MA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $110,047
    RNs play a crucial role in patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. This job requires strong communication and critical thinking skills.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salem, MA


  4. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $106,997
    Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment. They ensure patients receive accurate diagnostic images. This job is essential in medical imaging departments.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Salem, MA


  5. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $101,722
    Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing issues. They work in hospitals and outpatient care centers. This job requires attention to detail and compassion.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Salem, MA


  6. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $96,648
    Behavior analysts study and improve the behaviors of individuals. They often work with children and adolescents. This role involves data collection and creating treatment plans.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Salem, MA


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $76,655
    General managers oversee the operations of businesses. They handle staff and ensure smooth daily operations. Opportunities exist in retail, hospitality, and other sectors.
    Find General Manager jobs in Salem, MA


  8. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $56,174
    Maintenance technicians repair and maintain equipment. They work in various settings, ensuring facilities run smoothly. This job requires technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Salem, MA


  9. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $54,535
    Registered behavior technicians implement treatment plans for clients. They work under the supervision of behavior analysts. This role involves one-on-one interaction with clients.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Salem, MA


  10. Certified Nursing Assistant
    Average Salary: $42,262
    CNAs assist patients with daily activities. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. This job requires empathy and strong communication skills.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salem, MA

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

Salem, MA offers several well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. The service industry leads the way, with positions like servers and line cooks offering attractive salaries. For those interested in hospitality, roles such as bartenders and housekeepers also provide good earnings. These jobs provide valuable experience and the opportunity to earn a competitive income. Servers, for instance, enjoy an average salary of around $43,030. Housekeeping staff earn close to $40,000, while line cooks make about $39,000. These roles demand hard work and dedication, but they also reward employees with steady pay and the chance to grow in their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Salem, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $43,030 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $34,382.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $43,030
    In local restaurants, servers take orders, deliver food, and handle payments. Working in this role helps gain valuable experience in customer service. Key employers in Salem, MA include various dining establishments.
    Find Server jobs in Salem, MA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,635
    Housekeepers ensure that spaces are clean and welcoming. This job involves maintaining public areas, hotels, or individual rooms. Salem's hospitality sector offers many opportunities to work with well-known hotels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Salem, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $38,691
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook dishes following recipes. This position requires working under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Restaurants and cafes in Salem provide good chances for this role.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Salem, MA


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $37,347
    Baristas make coffee drinks for customers. They work in coffee shops and must be knowledgeable about various coffee blends and brewing methods. Salem’s cafés offer vibrant settings for baristas.
    Find Barista jobs in Salem, MA


  5. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $34,382
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. This role requires attention to detail and good hand dexterity. Many local restaurants and food service companies need dishwashers to keep operations smooth.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Salem, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Salem, MA?

Job seekers in Salem, MA, can expect competitive salaries from several leading companies in the area. Nomad Health stands out with an average salary of $121,747, making it one of the best-paying companies. Mass General Brigham also offers a strong average salary of $120,286, providing excellent career opportunities for those seeking higher earnings. Other notable companies in Salem include OneStaff Medical, with an average salary of $115,396, and Renewal Rehab, offering $88,085 on average. North Shore Medical Center and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provide decent compensation, with average salaries of $82,162 and $75,223, respectively. Salem Five Bank, Salem Hospital, Salem Public Schools, and Salem State University also provide attractive salary packages, ranging from $74,387 to $65,931.
Graph displaying company salaries in Salem, MA, highlighting Nomad Health with the highest at $121,747 and Salem State University with the lowest at $65,931.

  1. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $121,747
    Nomad Health offers high-paying roles with a focus on travel nursing, therapy, and other healthcare positions. Nomad Health values flexibility and provides competitive pay to attract top talent.


  2. Mass General Brigham
    Average Salary: $120,286
    Mass General Brigham is a leading healthcare system offering numerous job opportunities. They provide excellent salaries and benefits, ensuring a rewarding career path for their employees.


  3. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $115,396
    OneStaff Medical specializes in healthcare staffing. They offer attractive salaries and various positions that help professionals grow in their careers.


  4. Renewal Rehab
    Average Salary: $88,085
    Renewal Rehab focuses on rehabilitation services. They provide good compensation for their skilled staff, making it an ideal place for those in the healthcare field.


  5. North Shore Medical Center
    Average Salary: $82,162
    North Shore Medical Center is a large healthcare provider. They offer diverse job opportunities with competitive pay, supporting the professional growth of their employees.


  6. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $75,223
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a range of government positions. Salaries are competitive, and benefits are robust, making it a stable career choice.


  7. Salem Five Bank
    Average Salary: $74,387
    Salem Five Bank is a prominent financial institution. They provide good salaries for their banking and financial services staff, ensuring job security and growth opportunities.


  8. Salem Hospital
    Average Salary: $74,366
    Salem Hospital offers various healthcare roles. They provide competitive pay and a supportive work environment, making it a great place for healthcare professionals.


  9. Salem Public Schools
    Average Salary: $68,097
    Salem Public Schools is a leading educational institution. They offer good salaries for their teachers and staff, supporting the community's educational needs.


  10. Salem State University
    Average Salary: $65,931
    Salem State University offers a variety of academic and administrative positions. They provide competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.

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

Salem, MA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Specifically, Salem's cost of living index stands at 118, indicating that residents can expect to pay 18% more than the national average. Housing costs are particularly significant, with an index of 140, meaning they are 40% higher than the average. In Salem, certain expenses like groceries and healthcare also exceed the national average. Groceries cost 15% more, while healthcare costs are 10% higher. These figures highlight the importance of financial planning for those considering relocation to Salem, MA.
Cost of living comparison graph for Salem, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 40% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

The cost of living in Salem, MA, tends to be higher than the nationwide average, with specific categories varying in their deviation from this standard. Housing costs in Salem stand at 140, which is 40% higher than the average cost of living index. For those considering Salem for its job market, this implies a significant expenditure on housing. Groceries in Salem also show an increase, with an index of 115, representing 15% more than the average. This suggests that food expenses can add to the overall cost of living in this city.


Other expenses such as utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also reflect Salem’s higher cost of living. Utilities cost 5% more, with an index of 105, while transportation is slightly lower at 95, which is 5% below the national average. Healthcare, with an index of 110, shows a 10% increase, and miscellaneous items, at 120, are 20% higher than the average. Job seekers need to consider these factors when evaluating the financial implications of relocating to Salem, MA.

There are 391 job openings in Salem, MA, today!

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Discover what it's like to work in Salem, MA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Salem, MA
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