Cost of living

Cost of living in Massachusetts: what jobs pay vs rent

Typical rent in Massachusetts is about $1,716/mo (population-weighted Census gross rent, utilities included). Here's how 297 common jobs' estimated take-home pay compares.

JobEst. take-homeRent share
Nurse Anesthetist$15,275/mo11%
Family Physician$14,591/mo12%
Natural Sciences Manager$13,940/mo12%
IT Manager$11,386/mo15%
Architectural and Engineering Manager$11,325/mo15%
Human Resources Manager$11,105/mo15%
Marketing Manager$11,049/mo16%
Financial Manager$11,042/mo16%
Computer Hardware Engineer$10,648/mo16%
Sales Manager$10,163/mo17%
Purchasing Manager$10,059/mo17%
Network Architect$9,958/mo17%
Public Relations Manager$9,883/mo17%
Lawyer$9,644/mo18%
Optometrist$9,420/mo18%
Nurse Practitioner$9,007/mo19%
Software Developer$8,913/mo19%
Physician Assistant$8,822/mo19%
Pharmacist$8,788/mo20%
Actuary$8,775/mo20%
Construction Manager$8,740/mo20%
Industrial Production Manager$8,683/mo20%
Healthcare Manager$8,537/mo20%
Veterinarian$8,484/mo20%
Medical Scientist$8,275/mo21%
Electrical Engineer$8,156/mo21%
Information Security Analyst$8,120/mo21%
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$8,067/mo21%
Data Scientist$7,901/mo22%
Database Administrator$7,899/mo22%
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester$7,886/mo22%
Operations Manager$7,844/mo22%
Administrative Services Manager$7,660/mo22%
Facilities Manager$7,464/mo23%
Computer Programmer$7,333/mo23%
Systems Analyst$7,273/mo24%
Management Consultant$7,251/mo24%
Non-Retail Sales Worker$7,172/mo24%
Mechanical Engineer$7,052/mo24%
Chemist$7,034/mo24%
Web and Digital Interface Designer$6,956/mo25%
Industrial Engineer$6,768/mo25%
Financial Analyst$6,711/mo26%
Network Administrator$6,646/mo26%
Detectives and Criminal Investigator$6,600/mo26%
Project Management Specialist$6,583/mo26%
Civil Engineer$6,581/mo26%
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager$6,566/mo26%
Dental Hygienist$6,549/mo26%
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer$6,547/mo26%
Physical Therapist$6,531/mo26%
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$6,523/mo26%
Financial Advisor$6,495/mo26%
Web Developer$6,490/mo26%
Registered Nurse$6,482/mo26%
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product$6,479/mo26%
Architect$6,453/mo27%
Sonographer$6,410/mo27%
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairer$6,408/mo27%
Insurance Underwriter$6,372/mo27%
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$6,359/mo27%
Construction Supervisor$6,349/mo27%
Police and Detective$6,330/mo27%
Speech Pathologist$6,326/mo27%
Firefighting and Prevention Worker$6,321/mo27%
Loan Officer$6,301/mo27%
Occupational Therapist$6,229/mo28%
Psychologist$6,226/mo28%
Cost Estimator$6,174/mo28%
Logistician$6,110/mo28%
Plumber$5,940/mo29%
Operations Research Analyst$5,860/mo29%
Radiologic Technologist$5,847/mo29%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist$5,727/mo30%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$5,726/mo30%
Financial Examiner$5,719/mo30%
Accountant$5,713/mo30%
Respiratory Therapist$5,636/mo30%
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$5,614/mo31%
Credit Analyst$5,587/mo31%
Compliance Officer$5,558/mo31%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$5,468/mo31%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$5,465/mo31%
Construction and Building Inspector$5,461/mo31%
Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer$5,458/mo31%
Instructional Coordinator$5,443/mo32%
Elementary School Teacher$5,418/mo32%
High School Teacher$5,417/mo32%
Property Manager$5,361/mo32%
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician$5,357/mo32%
Special Ed Teacher$5,355/mo32%
Market Research Analyst$5,333/mo32%
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$5,323/mo32%
Computer Network Support Specialist$5,281/mo32%
Electrician$5,276/mo33%
Chiropractor$5,178/mo33%
Claims Adjuster$5,142/mo33%
Correctional Officer$5,123/mo33%
Social and Community Service Manager$5,101/mo34%
Cement Masons and Concrete Finisher$5,086/mo34%
HR Specialist$5,032/mo34%
Insurance Agent$5,026/mo34%
Food Service Manager$5,007/mo34%
Interior Designer$5,000/mo34%
Editor$4,998/mo34%
School Counselor$4,997/mo34%
Buyers and Purchasing Agent$4,993/mo34%
Labor Relations Specialist$4,991/mo34%
Librarian$4,984/mo34%
Chef$4,925/mo35%
Police Officer$4,921/mo35%
Public Relations Specialist$4,907/mo35%
Physical Therapist Assistant$4,885/mo35%
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant$4,884/mo35%
Production and Operating Worker$4,884/mo35%
Writer$4,884/mo35%
Sales Representative$4,883/mo35%
Dietitian$4,873/mo35%
Office and Administrative Support Worker$4,837/mo35%
Sheet Metal Worker$4,805/mo36%
IT Support Specialist$4,798/mo36%
Fundraiser$4,797/mo36%
HVAC Technician$4,791/mo36%
Licensed Practical Nurse$4,770/mo36%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner$4,752/mo36%
Training and Development Specialist$4,752/mo36%
Advertising Sales Agent$4,691/mo37%
Paralegals and Legal Assistant$4,587/mo37%
Graphic Designer$4,570/mo38%
Firefighter$4,568/mo38%
Producers and Director$4,554/mo38%
Roofer$4,505/mo38%
Equipment Operator$4,462/mo38%
Medical Equipment Repairer$4,460/mo38%
Clergy$4,425/mo39%
Architectural and Civil Drafter$4,414/mo39%
Surgical Technologist$4,410/mo39%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic$4,386/mo39%
Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Worker$4,349/mo39%
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,343/mo40%
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer$4,321/mo40%
Carpenter$4,308/mo40%
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technician$4,278/mo40%
Diesel Mechanic$4,239/mo40%
Healthcare Social Worker$4,216/mo41%
Tutor$4,199/mo41%
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,189/mo41%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,189/mo41%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$4,182/mo41%
Opticians, Dispensing$4,150/mo41%
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$4,040/mo42%
Social Worker$4,028/mo43%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$4,014/mo43%
Paramedic$4,012/mo43%
Biological Technician$4,010/mo43%
Machinist$3,984/mo43%
Massage Therapist$3,983/mo43%
Construction Laborer$3,981/mo43%
Tax Preparer$3,980/mo43%
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$3,975/mo43%
Highway Maintenance Worker$3,975/mo43%
Automotive Body and Related Repairer$3,949/mo43%
Self-Enrichment Teacher$3,944/mo44%
Court, Municipal, and License Clerk$3,933/mo44%
Postal Service Mail Carrier$3,929/mo44%
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$3,920/mo44%
Audio and Video Technician$3,872/mo44%
Welder$3,856/mo45%
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk$3,850/mo45%
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$3,836/mo45%
Postal Service Clerk$3,836/mo45%
Truck Driver$3,832/mo45%
Dental Assistant$3,826/mo45%
Bus Drivers, School$3,804/mo45%
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk$3,765/mo46%
Personal Service Worker$3,749/mo46%
Journalist$3,724/mo46%
Sports Coach$3,714/mo46%
Public Safety Telecommunicator$3,689/mo47%
Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker$3,666/mo47%
Fitness Trainer$3,643/mo47%
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender$3,607/mo48%
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Program$3,589/mo48%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$3,570/mo48%
Bookkeeper$3,568/mo48%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk$3,560/mo48%
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator$3,539/mo48%
Bill and Account Collector$3,452/mo50%
Maintenance Worker$3,442/mo50%
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenter$3,435/mo50%
Medical Records Specialist$3,401/mo50%
Billing and Posting Clerk$3,380/mo51%
Admin Assistant$3,377/mo51%
Loan Interviewers and Clerk$3,333/mo51%
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,331/mo52%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$3,315/mo52%
Rehabilitation Counselor$3,308/mo52%
Painter$3,294/mo52%
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher$3,292/mo52%
Retail Supervisor$3,292/mo52%
Ophthalmic Medical Technician$3,264/mo53%
Order Clerk$3,264/mo53%
Cargo and Freight Agent$3,252/mo53%
Library Technician$3,240/mo53%
Auto Mechanic$3,225/mo53%
Medical Equipment Preparer$3,222/mo53%
Photographer$3,221/mo53%
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer$3,206/mo54%
Pest Control Worker$3,187/mo54%
Data Entry Keyer$3,173/mo54%
Security Worker$3,167/mo54%
Skincare Specialist$3,151/mo54%
Printing Press Operator$3,147/mo55%
Office Clerk$3,133/mo55%
Veterinary Technologists and Technician$3,124/mo55%
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$3,112/mo55%
Butchers and Meat Cutter$3,110/mo55%
Medical Assistant$3,105/mo55%
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,078/mo56%
Customer Service Rep$3,077/mo56%
Phlebotomist$3,069/mo56%
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$3,041/mo56%
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,037/mo57%
Landscaper$3,029/mo57%
Psychiatric Technician$3,028/mo57%
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator$3,021/mo57%
Residential Advisor$3,021/mo57%
Hairdresser$3,017/mo57%
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$3,015/mo57%
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk$2,990/mo57%
EMT$2,985/mo57%
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,980/mo58%
File Clerk$2,960/mo58%
Pharmacy Technician$2,939/mo58%
Food Service Supervisor$2,920/mo59%
Delivery Driver$2,913/mo59%
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker$2,889/mo59%
Preschool Teacher$2,887/mo59%
Nursing Assistant$2,873/mo60%
Social and Human Service Assistant$2,873/mo60%
Restaurant Cook$2,831/mo61%
Counter and Rental Clerk$2,823/mo61%
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,792/mo61%
Warehouse Worker$2,781/mo62%
Couriers and Messenger$2,751/mo62%
Library Assistants, Clerical$2,733/mo63%
Security Guard$2,625/mo65%
Teaching Assistant$2,614/mo66%
Cooks, Short Order$2,593/mo66%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerk$2,564/mo67%
Teller$2,564/mo67%
Parts Salesperson$2,555/mo67%
Crossing Guards and Flagger$2,551/mo67%
Receptionist$2,540/mo68%
Janitor$2,532/mo68%
Childcare Worker$2,531/mo68%
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmer$2,526/mo68%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$2,521/mo68%
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$2,480/mo69%
Baker$2,476/mo69%
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner$2,472/mo69%
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk$2,467/mo70%
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,456/mo70%
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeur$2,445/mo70%
Home Health Aide$2,434/mo71%
Sewing Machine Operator$2,419/mo71%
Stockers and Order Filler$2,417/mo71%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$2,409/mo71%
Recreation Worker$2,401/mo71%
Cooks, Fast Food$2,397/mo72%
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tender$2,391/mo72%
Food Preparation Worker$2,374/mo72%
Dishwasher$2,351/mo73%
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper$2,341/mo73%
Tire Repairers and Changer$2,334/mo74%
Animal Caretaker$2,333/mo74%
Retail Salesperson$2,333/mo74%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$2,325/mo74%
Driver/Sales Worker$2,315/mo74%
Parking Attendant$2,312/mo74%
Telemarketer$2,311/mo74%
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$2,295/mo75%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker$2,289/mo75%
Food Batchmaker$2,288/mo75%
Slaughterers and Meat Packer$2,288/mo75%
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker$2,287/mo75%
Server$2,280/mo75%
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant$2,276/mo75%
Bartender$2,273/mo75%
Fast Food and Counter Worker$2,265/mo76%
Packers and Packagers, Hand$2,240/mo77%
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker$2,239/mo77%
School Bus Monitor$2,213/mo78%
Cashier$2,209/mo78%
Manicurists and Pedicurist$2,200/mo78%
Amusement and Recreation Attendant$2,177/mo79%
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmer$2,142/mo80%

Pay is BLS OEWS 2023 state median wages after a rough ~22% tax estimate — a ballpark, not a real paycheck. It doesn't include state taxes, insurance, transport, or the cost of moving.

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