Salaries in Newton, MA

Here’s a counterintuitive truth about Newton in 2026: for a city where nearly 40% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, the average salary across all jobs is just $56,275. That’s not a typo. It reveals a stark divide between the highly educated professionals who thrive here and the many others who simply work here.

Let’s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 111.6, you’re paying a premium—about 12% more than the national average. The median household income is a robust $185,154, but that number hides the reality. For a software developer earning $131,688, the COL-adjusted salary drops to $118,000. That’s still strong, but it means you’re working harder for the same lifestyle compared to a national peer. A one-bedroom apartment runs $2,064 a month, so even a decent salary gets chewed up fast.

So who actually makes it work here? The tech and professional services sectors dominate, buoyed by companies like the Boston Scientific headquarters and a cluster of biotech firms. Healthcare is also a major employer, thanks to Newton-Wellesley Hospital. These fields are where you find the salaries that can comfortably absorb Newton’s costs. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised the COL hasn’t pushed more of these high-paying roles out to the suburbs.

Here’s the catch: wages aren’t keeping pace with the cost increases, especially for service and education workers. An elementary school teacher’s $65,885 salary adjusts to just $59,037—a tough squeeze when a mortgage or childcare is in the picture. This city works best for dual-income households in high-earning fields or single professionals without kids.

The data below breaks down the top-paying occupations, showing both the raw numbers and what you actually take home. It’ll tell you exactly where you stand in Newton’s economic puzzle.