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These Are The 5 Best Industries For Jobs In Massachusetts For 2026

By Chris Kolmar
Mar. 1, 2018
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Feb. 2, 2026

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Top 5 Industries for Job Seekers in Massachusetts in 2026

When envisioning Massachusetts, many might think of its stunning landscapes, rich history, and renowned culinary scene. However, the state is also home to a thriving economy and a robust job market, which has continued to evolve and improve.

At Zippia, we delve into local economies to identify which industries are thriving and which offer the best opportunities for job seekers. Understanding these dynamics can help both current residents and those considering a move to Massachusetts make informed career decisions.

With that in mind, we focused on identifying the best industries for employment in Massachusetts.

Read on to explore how we determined which industries stand out as the best options for job seekers.

If you are interested, check out more about the Massachusetts job market:

How We Identified the Best Industries in Massachusetts

We believe in the power of data to provide insights into the job market. Our mission was to gather comprehensive information on the Massachusetts job landscape.

To determine the best industries, we considered the following criteria:

  • Average Salary
  • Job Availability
  • Average Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry

Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.

Stress levels were derived from self-reported statistics from individuals working in these fields, ranked on a scale from 1 to 20, with 1 being the least stressful.

By averaging these rankings, we created a ‘Best Industry’ index, identifying Architecture and Engineering as the leading industry in Massachusetts.

For a detailed table of the data, see below, and continue reading to discover why these industries excel.

Detailed List of the Best Industries in Massachusetts

Rank Industry Average Salary # Of People
1 Architecture and Engineering $90,350 76,170
2 Computer and Mathematical $96,860 142,740
3 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical $92,130 240,340
4 Education, Training, and Library $65,060 235,890
5 Business and Financial Operations $83,500 198,540
6 Life, Physical, and Social Science $78,790 49,070
7 Community and Social Service $47,240 81,560
8 Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media $63,880 50,510
9 Office and Administrative Support $42,970 499,850
10 Personal Care and Service $32,070 123,320
11 Production and Manufacturing $40,130 154,660
12 Protective Service $53,680 80,150
13 Sales $47,480 322,330
14 Construction and Extraction $61,240 117,680
15 Healthcare Support $34,720 108,880
16 Transportation $38,050 178,990
17 Installation, Maintenance, and Repair $53,610 100,860
18 Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance $35,290 106,270
19 Food Preparation and Serving Related $27,880 291,950
20 Farming, Fishing, and Forestry $32,570 2,110

Summary of the Best Industries in Massachusetts

In conclusion, the Architecture and Engineering sector stands out as the top industry for employment opportunities in Massachusetts.

Conversely, the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry sector ranks lowest, primarily due to limited job availability and lower wages.

For further insights, explore:

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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