Overview of Careers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has excellent career opportunities to offer anyone looking for a job or thinking of moving to the state. With a labor force of over 3.7 million in 2023, Massachusetts ranked 14th in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state had an average hourly wage of $35.07 for all occupations in May 2021. The BLS also reported a steady unemployment rate of 3.7% in November 2022 to February 2023.
Fastest Growing Careers
The U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website reported the following to be the fastest-growing careers in the state of Massachusetts between 2020-2030, with many found in the field of healthcare. These jobs have been projected to experience anywhere from 64% - 124% growth during the ten-year period.
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Cooks, Restaurant
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Bartenders
- Musicians and Singers
- Actors
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Careers with the Most Openings
The following careers will have the most openings in Massachusetts between 2020-2030, per CareerOneStop. These professions can expect anywhere from 7,680 (for cooks at resturants) to 22,460 (for fast food and counter workers) annual job openings during that period. Half of the jobs on this list don't require any formal education, while the other half require at least a high school diploma/GED or a bachelor's degree.
- Fast Food and Counter Workers
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Retail Salespersons
- General and Operations Managers
- Cashiers
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Cooks, Restaurant
