Salaries in Salem, MA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Salem, MA?

The average salary in Salem, MA is $67,553 per year.

Salem, MA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in the area is around $67,553. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. It shows that many positions offer competitive pay.


Here are some average salaries for different roles in Salem, MA:

  • Retail: $29,200
  • Administrative: $19,200
  • Construction: $9,160
  • Food Service: $7,300
  • Healthcare: $4,090
  • Education: $6,440
  • Transportation: $7,070
  • Sales: $5,320
  • Manufacturing: $3,740
  • Arts: $2,040
  • Entertainment: $1,430
These figures show that some sectors offer higher salaries than others. Job seekers can use this information to target industries that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Salem, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Salem, MA?

Salem, MA offers a range of high-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Among the top earners are traveling nurses, technicians, and dental hygienists. These roles provide competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. Traveling nurses lead the pack with an average salary of $113,760. Technicians and dental hygienists also enjoy strong earnings, with annual incomes around $111,528 and $109,567, respectively. These jobs require specific skills and qualifications, making them attractive to those with the right training and experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Salem, MA, highlighting Traveling Nurse with the highest at $113,760 and General Manager with the lowest at $58,734.
  1. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $113,760
    Traveling nurses work in various settings, providing care to patients. They often travel to different locations, working in hospitals and clinics. This role requires flexibility and a strong ability to adapt to new environments.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Salem, MA


  2. Technician
    Average Salary: $111,528
    Technicians work in specialized fields, ensuring equipment runs smoothly. They perform maintenance, repairs, and tests. This role is crucial in industries like healthcare and IT. Attention to detail and technical skills are essential.
    Find Technician jobs in Salem, MA


  3. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $109,567
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices, providing preventive care. This role requires a gentle touch and strong communication skills. It's a vital part of maintaining dental health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salem, MA


  4. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $104,921
    Behavior analysts study and improve behaviors. They work with individuals to develop skills and reduce negative behaviors. This role is important in healthcare and education. It requires patience and strong analytical skills.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Salem, MA


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $104,907
    Registered nurses provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. This role requires strong communication and critical thinking skills. It's essential for patient well-being and recovery.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Salem, MA


  6. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $82,217
    Licensed practical nurses assist with patient care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. This role requires attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills. It's a vital part of the healthcare team.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Salem, MA


  7. Sterile Processing Technician
    Average Salary: $67,671
    Sterile processing technicians clean and sterilize medical equipment. They work in hospitals and clinics to ensure safety. This role requires precision and a strong work ethic. It's crucial for preventing infections and maintaining hygiene.
    Find Sterile Processing Technician jobs in Salem, MA


  8. Sous Chef
    Average Salary: $63,326
    Sous chefs assist head chefs in kitchen operations. They manage food preparation and staff. This role requires culinary skills and strong leadership. It's essential for creating high-quality dishes and maintaining kitchen efficiency.
    Find Sous Chef jobs in Salem, MA


  9. High School Teacher
    Average Salary: $62,232
    High school teachers educate students in various subjects. They create lesson plans and assess student progress. This role requires patience and strong communication skills. It's important for shaping young minds and providing knowledge.
    Find High School Teacher jobs in Salem, MA


  10. General Manager
    Average Salary: $58,734
    General managers oversee business operations. They manage staff and ensure smooth daily activities. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills. It's crucial for business success and customer satisfaction.
    Find General Manager jobs in Salem, MA

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

Salem, MA offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Positions such as server, line cook, and kitchen team member provide good earnings. These roles often pay between $33,000 and $47,000 annually, offering a stable income without the need for higher education. Exploring these opportunities can lead to a rewarding career. For example, servers and line cooks can earn around $47,000, while kitchen team members and housekeepers make about $38,000 to $40,000. These jobs provide a chance to earn well while gaining valuable experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Salem, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $47,443 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $33,398.
  1. Server
    Average Salary: $47,443
    Work in a bustling environment, taking orders and serving food. Gain experience in customer service. Opportunities at local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Salem, MA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,582
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly and efficiently. Learn to work under pressure. Positions available at various dining establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Salem, MA


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,778
    Assist in food preparation and kitchen maintenance. Gain skills in a fast-paced setting. Available roles at local eateries and hotels.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Salem, MA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,779
    Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. Develop attention to detail. Opportunities at hotels and resorts.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Salem, MA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $34,378
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers. Positions at local coffee shops and cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Salem, MA


  6. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Prepare and package food for takeout. Gain experience in food handling. Available roles at restaurants and cafes.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Salem, MA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $33,398
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in a fast-paced environment. Opportunities at various dining establishments.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Salem, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Salem, MA?

Job seekers in Salem, MA, have several companies to consider for higher salaries. Nomad Health leads the pack with an average salary of $122,956. This is followed closely by FUSION Medical Staffing, offering an average of $109,257. These figures highlight the potential for competitive compensation in the Salem job market. Other notable employers include Salem Hospital and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, both offering salaries above $69,000. These companies provide attractive opportunities for those seeking both job stability and a good income. Exploring these options can lead to rewarding career choices in Salem.
Graph displaying company salaries in Salem, MA, highlighting Nomad Health with the highest at $122,956 and North Shore Physicians Group with the lowest at $59,643.
  1. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $122,956
    Nomad Health is a healthcare staffing agency. They connect healthcare professionals with job openings.


  2. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $109,257
    FUSION Medical Staffing provides healthcare staffing solutions. They help healthcare facilities find the right staff.


  3. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $69,224
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers various job opportunities. They work in different areas like education, health, and public safety.


  4. Salem Hospital
    Average Salary: $69,148
    Salem Hospital is a healthcare facility. They offer medical services and have many job openings.


  5. Massachusetts Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $63,547
    The Massachusetts Department of Public Health works to protect and improve health. They offer many jobs in public health.


  6. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $63,089
    CVS Health is a healthcare company. They offer jobs in pharmacies, health services, and more.


  7. Salem Academy Charter School
    Average Salary: $61,496
    Salem Academy Charter School is an educational institution. They offer teaching and administrative jobs.


  8. Peabody Essex Museum
    Average Salary: $61,213
    The Peabody Essex Museum is a cultural and historical museum. They offer jobs in education, curation, and more.


  9. SALEM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
    Average Salary: $60,537
    SALEM PUBLIC SCHOOLS is an educational district. They offer many teaching and administrative positions.


  10. North Shore Physicians Group
    Average Salary: $59,643
    North Shore Physicians Group is a healthcare provider. They offer jobs in various medical fields.

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. The overall cost of living index in Salem stands at 112, which is 12% above the national average of 100. This increase is noticeable in several areas, including housing, groceries, and healthcare, which are 35%, 10%, and 20% higher, respectively. Transportation and utilities in Salem are close to the national average, with transportation at 100% and utilities at 95%. This suggests that while some expenses are higher, others remain comparable to the rest of the country.
Cost of living comparison graph for Salem, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 35% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 0% lower, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 5% higher.

Salem, MA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average in several areas. Housing costs in Salem stand at 135, which is 35% higher than the national average of 100. This increase suggests that finding affordable housing in Salem can be more challenging. Groceries also cost more, with an index of 110, indicating a 10% rise over the national average. This means that everyday food expenses are slightly higher for residents.


Utilities in Salem, with an index of 95, are 5% below the national average. This provides some relief for residents, as they spend less on essential services like electricity and water. Transportation costs in Salem match the national average at 100, offering no change in expense for commuting. Healthcare costs are 20% higher, with an index of 120, which could impact budgeting for medical needs. Miscellaneous expenses, at 105, are 5% higher than the national average, adding to the overall cost of living.

There are 568 job openings in Salem, MA, today!

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

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
568 Job Openings