Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Massachusetts
Professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts command an impressive average annual salary of $106,430, significantly outpacing the national average of $91,840. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust ecosystem of research institutions, biotechnology firms, and academic centers, fostering a high demand for specialized scientific talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $106,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $167,040.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 76,940 individuals in these fields and a Location Quotient of 2.25, Massachusetts demonstrates a highly concentrated and robust job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. This indicates a demand that is more than double the national average, suggesting strong job security and ample opportunities for professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts earns+15.9%above the national average.
$51.2
$2,047
$8,869
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically fueled by ongoing innovation in the state's thriving biotech and research sectors, increasing demand for skilled professionals, and a competitive job market that drives up compensation.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists, researchers, and lead professionals with advanced degrees and extensive experience can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify a well-defined career ladder and substantial earning potential for those who advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $55,190 | $26.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $79,823 | $38.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $98,820 | $47.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $133,038 | $64 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $167,040 | $80.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$106,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,718
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the average annual salary of $106,430 in Massachusetts is attractive, it must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 148.4, which is substantially higher than the national average. This means that while nominal earnings are high, the purchasing power of that salary will be diminished due to increased expenses for housing, goods, and services, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
76,940
Total Jobs
21.121
Per 1K Jobs
2.25
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 2.3x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.25 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive environment where talent is abundant and highly sought after, suggesting that employers have access to a deep pool of qualified candidates, while professionals benefit from a dynamic and opportunity-rich landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $96,320↓ 9% | 14 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $107,850↑ 1% | 24 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $94,100↓ 12% | 29 mi |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $87,480↓ 18% | 52 mi |
| Springfield, MA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $94,360↓ 11% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts is $106,430. This typically ranges from $55,190 for entry-level positions to $167,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 15.9% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, Massachusetts is a highly lucrative state for these professionals.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of jobs indicates strong demand and opportunity.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($96,320) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Massachusetts is $106,430, which is considerably higher than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a Location Quotient of 2.25 for these occupations, meaning the jobs are more than twice as concentrated as the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Massachusetts?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that while salaries are high, the purchasing power is reduced due to higher living expenses.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest?
The figure of 21.121 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a substantial presence and employment opportunities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Massachusetts workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 76,940 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 21.121 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Massachusetts