What Is a Good Salary in Massachusetts?
A good salary in Massachusetts is generally considered $95,000/year for a single person and $140,000/year for a family of four in 2026. The cost of living in Massachusetts is among the highest in the nation — a 6-figure income may be needed for financial comfort. 5% flat state income tax.
The median household income in Massachusetts is $89,026, meaning half of all households earn more than this and half earn less. A “good” salary typically means earning comfortably above the median and being able to save, invest, and enjoy discretionary spending without financial stress.
Good Salary Thresholds in Massachusetts (2026)
| Situation | Minimum Comfortable | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | $71,250 | $95,000 | $133,000 |
| Couple (dual income) | $105,000 | $140,000 | $189,000 |
| Family of 4 | $126,000 | $161,000 | $217,000 |
Monthly Breakdown: Living on $95,000/Year in Massachusetts
Here’s what your monthly finances might look like on $95,000/year in Massachusetts:
| Item | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | $7,916 |
| Estimated Taxes (~25%) | -$1,979 |
| Estimated Take-Home | $5,937 |
| Average 1BR Rent in Massachusetts | -$2,500 |
| Groceries (avg) | -$400 |
| Transportation | -$350 |
| Utilities & Internet | -$200 |
| Remaining (savings, fun, other) | $2,487 |
This illustrates why $95,000/year is a solid benchmark for comfortable living in Massachusetts — it leaves room for both essentials and discretionary spending. However, Massachusetts’s cost varies significantly between metro areas and rural communities.
Cost of Living in Massachusetts: What to Know
Massachusetts’s cost of living is among the highest in the nation — a 6-figure income may be needed for financial comfort. Here are the key factors:
- Housing: Average 1-bedroom rent is approximately $2,500/month. Home prices vary widely — from $250,000 in rural areas to $1,000,000 in major metros.
- Taxes: 5% flat state income tax.
- Transportation: Public transit is available in major cities, reducing transportation costs.
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs vary by employer benefits. Uninsured costs are above average nationally.
Top Employers in Massachusetts
The highest-paying jobs in Massachusetts are concentrated with major employers including: Raytheon, EMC, Fidelity, Harvard & MIT ecosystem. These organizations consistently offer salaries at or above the state’s “good” threshold.
How to Know if Your Salary Is Good in Massachusetts
A salary is generally “good” in Massachusetts if it allows you to:
- Cover housing costs without spending more than 30% of gross income on rent/mortgage
- Build an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses
- Contribute 10–15% to retirement savings
- Afford transportation, food, healthcare, and some discretionary spending
- Pay off any debt within a reasonable timeframe
At $95,000/year single or $140,000/year for a family, these benchmarks are achievable in Massachusetts.
High-Paying Jobs in Massachusetts in 2026
If you’re looking to earn a “good” or “excellent” salary in Massachusetts, these roles consistently pay well:
| Job Title | Average Salary in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $121,600 |
| Physician | $213,750 |
| Pharmacist | $121,600 |
| Product Manager | $131,100 |
| Data Scientist | $140,600 |
| Financial Advisor | $104,500 |
| Nurse (RN) | $77,900 |
| Civil Engineer | $93,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Massachusetts in 2026?
A good salary in Massachusetts is approximately $95,000/year for a single professional or $140,000/year for a family. This allows comfortable living while saving for retirement and emergencies.
What is the median income in Massachusetts?
The median household income in Massachusetts is $89,026/year. Earning above this puts you in the upper half of income earners in the state.
Is $95,000 a good salary in Massachusetts?
Yes — $95,000/year is considered a good salary for a single person in Massachusetts. After taxes and typical living expenses, you would have meaningful room for savings and discretionary spending.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Massachusetts?
The minimum comfortable salary for a single person in Massachusetts is approximately $71,250/year. Below that, living expenses can become tight depending on your city and lifestyle.
How does Massachusetts’s cost of living compare to national average?
Massachusetts’s cost of living is among the highest in the nation — a 6-figure income may be needed for financial comfort.
Related Resources
Data Sources
Income and cost-of-living data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Glassdoor.