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These Are The 10 Hardest Working Places In Massachusetts

By Chris Kolmar
May. 18, 2016
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Feb. 2, 2026

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Discover the 10 Hardest Working Places in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts, a state synonymous with innovation and hard work, continues to uphold its reputation as a land of opportunity. As we move into 2026, the working culture here is more dynamic than ever, showcasing a blend of traditional values and modern practices. In a world increasingly defined by technology and remote work, the dedication of Massachusetts’ workforce remains commendable.

While every corner of the state embodies the Puritan work ethic, some communities stand out for their exceptional commitment to hard work. So, which areas in the Bay State are leading the charge in the modern workforce? Let’s dive into the top contenders for the title of the hardest working places in Massachusetts.

Taking the top spot is Newton, a city where residents take their work ethic to new heights, often making the commute itself an integral part of their workday.

Curious about which other cities are burning the midnight oil? Here’s a list of the top ten hardworking places in Massachusetts where early mornings and late nights are part of the routine:

  1. Newton
  2. Somerville
  3. Cambridge
  4. Franklin Town
  5. Melrose
  6. Waltham
  7. Watertown Town
  8. Medford
  9. Amesbury Town
  10. Marlborough

Is your city on the list? If not, take note of these hardworking communities for inspiration!

For more insights into the Massachusetts job market, check out:

How We Determined the Hardest Working Places in the Bay State

At Zippia, we pride ourselves on thorough research to answer the tough questions about the labor market. For this analysis, we utilized the latest American Community Survey data to determine what makes a place truly hardworking.

Our criteria focused on key factors that reflect the work ethic of communities across Massachusetts:

  • Average hours worked
  • Average commute time
  • Workers per household (employed labor force divided by the number of households)
  • Labor force participation rate
  • Adults with a college degree

By analyzing these metrics, we ranked 53 locations in Massachusetts from 1 to 53, with 1 representing the hardest working place. The results culminated in a hardworking index that highlights the dedication of each community.

Ultimately, Newton emerged as the leading city, validating its reputation for hard work. Below, you’ll find a detailed chart breaking down why each location ranked as it did.

1. Newton

Source: Wikipedia

Population: 86,945
College Graduates: 75.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.3
Workers Per Household: 1.5

2. Somerville

Population: 77,560
College Graduates: 55.5%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.5
Workers Per Household: 1.6

3. Cambridge

Population: 106,844
College Graduates: 74.7%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.1
Workers Per Household: 1.5

4. Franklin Town

Population: 32,393
College Graduates: 51.5%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 37.0
Workers Per Household: 1.6

5. Melrose

Population: 27,509
College Graduates: 50.5%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.2
Workers Per Household: 1.4

6. Waltham

Population: 61,908
College Graduates: 48.4%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 36.9
Workers Per Household: 1.5

7. Watertown Town

Population: 32,880
College Graduates: 57.7%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.7
Workers Per Household: 1.5

8. Medford

Population: 56,981
College Graduates: 45.0%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 37.7
Workers Per Household: 1.5

9. Amesbury Town

Population: 16,554
College Graduates: 41.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.5
Workers Per Household: 1.5

10. Marlborough

Population: 39,141
College Graduates: 39.2%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.2
Workers Per Household: 1.5

Detailed List of Hardest Working Places in Massachusetts

City Rank Population College Graduates Average Hours Worked Per Week Workers Per Household
Newton 1 86,945 75.9% 38.3 1.5
Somerville 2 77,560 55.5% 38.5 1.6
Cambridge 3 106,844 74.7% 38.1 1.5
Franklin Town 4 32,393 51.5% 37.0 1.6
Melrose 5 27,509 50.5% 38.2 1.4
Waltham 6 61,908 48.4% 36.9 1.5
Watertown Town 7 32,880 57.7% 39.7 1.5
Medford 8 56,981 45.0% 37.7 1.5
Amesbury Town 9 16,554 41.9% 38.5 1.5
Marlborough 10 39,141 39.2% 39.2 1.5
Woburn 11 38,826 35.3% 39.2 1.5
Beverly 12 40,370 45.4% 36.6 1.5
Braintree Town 13 36,543 37.0% 38.0 1.6
Northampton 14 28,637 56.0% 33.9 1.4
Newburyport 15 17,662 57.8% 39.1 1.3
Boston 16 639,594 44.6% 37.3 1.5
Methuen Town 17 48,159 28.7% 37.6 1.5
Quincy 18 92,920 40.0% 38.8 1.4
Attleboro 19 43,774 30.2% 38.1 1.5
Malden 20 60,309 31.7% 37.8 1.6
Easthampton Town 21 16,066 30.8% 37.7 1.3
Peabody 22 51,868 28.8% 36.9 1.3
Agawam Town 23 28,626 27.8% 38.2 1.4
Winthrop Town 24 17,992 35.2% 38.2 1.4
Haverhill 25 61,769 28.7% 38.2 1.4
Westfield 26 41,371 30.2% 37.2 1.5
Weymouth Town 27 54,815 32.0% 37.7 1.4
Barnstable Town 28 44,750 37.5% 37.3 1.2
Everett 29 42,758 16.1% 36.9 1.6
Salem 30 42,321 38.1% 36.2 1.4
Chelsea 31 37,084 16.4% 36.6 1.7
Revere 32 53,258 19.0% 37.5 1.5
Gloucester 33 29,237 32.7% 36.5 1.3
Lowell 34 108,491 21.6% 36.9 1.5
Greenfield Town 35 17,484 27.1% 36.5 1.2
Leominster 36 40,954 26.4% 37.6 1.4
Worcester 37 182,511 30.1% 36.7 1.4
Lynn 38 91,289 19.3% 36.3 1.5
West Springfield Town 39 28,554 28.5% 37.1 1.3
Taunton 40 56,056 18.5% 37.7 1.4
Brockton 41 94,267 18.1% 36.5 1.5
Palmer Town 42 12,155 20.7% 36.9 1.3
Fitchburg 43 40,419 20.6% 35.9 1.4
Chicopee 44 55,603 17.8% 37.4 1.3
Southbridge Town 45 16,775 17.4% 36.6 1.3
Pittsfield 46 44,226 26.0% 36.4 1.2
Lawrence 47 77,364 11.9% 36.5 1.4
Gardner 48 20,279 17.4% 37.5 1.2
New Bedford 49 94,873 15.3% 36.7 1.2
Holyoke 50 40,079 23.2% 35.6 1.2
North Adams 51 13,563 21.1% 35.0 1.1
Springfield 52 153,836 17.9% 35.9 1.2
Fall River 53 88,756 13.8% 37.0 1.1

In conclusion, the dedication of Massachusetts workers is showcased in these communities that embody the spirit of hard work. As the job market continues to evolve with technology and flexible work arrangements, these cities remain at the forefront, setting an example for others. Whether you’re seeking a new job opportunity or aiming to understand the labor landscape, these hardworking places offer valuable insights.

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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