Business administration plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth in Massachusetts, and understanding the salary landscape for various roles within this field is crucial.
In this article, we will delve into the median salaries and salary ranges for entrepreneurs, leadership roles, operations and general managers and supply chain managers. Additionally, we will explore factors influencing salaries, key employers, education requirements and considerations for ensuring fair compensation in Massachusetts.
Snapshot of business administration salaries and employment in Massachusetts
There are roughly 111,380 people employed as general and operations managers in Massachusetts says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour in MA is $58 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%.
Massachusetts has a robust economy driven by industries like technology, healthcare and finance. The Boston metropolitan area is a key hub for business activities, with high concentrations of well-paying jobs. Here are just a few of the top employers for business administration degree-holders in the state:
General Electric:
Boston, MA. A global powerhouse, GE has a significant presence in Massachusetts, offering diverse opportunities in business administration.
Raytheon Technologies:
Waltham, MA. This aerospace and defense company is still a major employer in Massachusetts despite moving its HQ to Virginia in 2022, especially for those with expertise in operations and supply chain management.
Biogen:
Cambridge, MA. Known for its work in biotechnology, Biogen is a key player in Massachusetts, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
State Street Corporation:
Boston, MA. A major financial institution, State Street offers roles in various areas of business administration.
Massachusetts General Hospital:
Boston, MA. As a leading healthcare provider and research facility, MGH employs business administrators to manage operations and finances.
Business administration salaries in MA: A quick overview
While the median salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and a number of other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of business education.
Salaries for different business administrator roles in Massachusetts
Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs in Massachusetts experience a wide salary range, with start-ups offering potential for significant rewards. Median salaries can range from $70,000 to well over $150,000, depending on the industry and the success of the venture.
Leadership roles:
High-level executives and leaders, such as CEOs and CFOs, command impressive salaries. Median salaries for leadership roles in Massachusetts typically start at $120,000 and can surpass $200,000, contingent on the size and profitability of the organization.
Operations and general managers:
Operations and general managers are the backbone of businesses, overseeing day-to-day activities. In Massachusetts, these professionals earn median salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, based on industry and company size.
Supply chain managers:
Supply chain managers, vital for optimizing logistics, earn median salaries between $90,000 and $110,000 in Massachusetts. This figure can vary based on the complexity and scale of the supply chain network.
Median business administration salary in Massachusetts
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in Massachusetts is $120,680 cites the BLS. That wage is well over the national median for the country, which is $101,280. Still, Massachusetts does not rank in the top five states for pay.
Those states include New Jersey, District of Columbia, New York, Delaware and Connecticut. However, Barnstable Town, MA does rank 7th for the highest concentration of jobs for general and operations managers in the U.S. according to BLS data.
General and Operations Managers
10%$56,120
25%$79,260
50%$120,680Median
75%$179,890
90%N/A
Median Hourly Wage$58
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment111,380
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH
$128,240
$59,850
N/A
Worcester, MA-CT
$104,760
$51,720
$220,130
Barnstable Town, MA
$100,690
$52,000
$201,060
Springfield, MA-CT
$99,950
$51,600
$213,490
Pittsfield, MA
$97,590
$48,370
$200,440
New Bedford, MA
$96,810
$48,080
$203,570
Leominster-Gardner, MA
$96,680
$49,040
$200,660
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for a business administration career in MA
The salary range for general and operations professionals in Massachusetts typically spans from $56,120 to over $179,890 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Massachusetts
Your salary may depend upon where you live within the state. For example, Boston and may pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, like Boston, which is a top financial, tech and healthcare center, pay may be more competitive. Here are the top metro areas for general and operations manager's salary per the BLS. As you can see, Boston-Cambridge-Nashua ranks at #9 for highest paying metro area for general and operations managers:
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$166,660
Trenton, NJ
$154,790
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
$143,250
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$142,730
Sioux Falls, SD
$139,070
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
$138,630
Boulder, CO
$135,850
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
$134,530
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$134,040
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
$133,220
Factors affecting business administrator salary in Massachusetts
Several factors influence salaries in Massachusetts, including industry, experience, education and geographic location. Industries like technology and healthcare often offer higher salaries, while advanced degrees and certifications can boost earning potential.
Experience level:
Experience is a key determinant of salary. Operations and general managers with a proven track record may receive higher compensation, reflecting their expertise in navigating challenges.
Geographical location:
As you know, specific area in Massachusetts where you work can influence salaries. Urban centers like Boston and Cambridge may offer higher salaries due to the concentration of major industries.
Industry specialization:
Massachusetts technology, healthcare and financial prowess impacts salaries. Professionals in sectors with higher demands or complexities often command higher compensation.
Company size:
The size of the employing company is a crucial factor. Larger corporations, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare, may offer higher salaries for management and leadership roles.
Economic conditions:
Keeping abreast of economic trends and industry developments in Massachusetts ensures that business administrators are able and skilled properly to navigate an ever-changing and growing landscape.
How can I know if my business administrator salary is fair in Massachusetts?
To determine if you are being paid correctly in Massachusetts, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for your specific role.
Additionally, networking with professionals in your field and researching industry benchmarks can provide valuable insights.
Here are some tips to help guide you if you feel you are being paid unfairly:
Research industry pay for your state: Utilize salary surveys, such as those on Indeed, the BLS and Payscale to understand the average compensation for your role in your geographical area.
Understand your company policies: Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on compensation and benefits. Understand how performance reviews and salary adjustments are handled within the organization.
Consult HR: Don't be afraid to ask your supervisor or HR manager to clarify pay packages and how they work. Speak up if you think there is a discrepancy in your pay compared to someone else doing the same job.
Read up on labor and wage laws in Massachusetts. The better informed you are the better you can make a case for yourself.
Education for business administration roles in MA
A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level business administration positions in Massachusetts. However, an MBA or relevant advanced degrees can significantly enhance career prospects, especially for leadership roles.
The next step to advance is earning an MBA or master's degree. Depending upon your area of specialty, MBAs can be earned in a number of business areas under the finance, business administration and international business umbrellas.
Many MBA and master's degree programs are available online so you can continue your studies while you work.
Cost of living considerations for Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts a relatively high cost of living, particularly in cities like Boston. Job seekers should consider housing, transportation and healthcare costs when negotiating salaries to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
More specifically, Massachusetts' cost of living is, on average 50% higher than the national average—with housing around 111% higher than the national average, says RentCafe.
RentCafe says the five major cities in Massachusetts all have a higher cost of living than the national average:
City in MA
Cost of living percentage
Boston
50% higher
Framingham
40% higher
Pittsfield
10% higher
Leominster
15% higher
Nantucket
129% higher
Massachusetts professional business associations
Professional associations have value for business administration professionals, especially those just beginning their careers, as they provide valuable networking resources and ways to expand skillsets and continuing education. You could consider attending events or becoming a member to continue your professional and educational growth and to connect with like-minded individuals in Massachusetts or globally in some cases.
Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX): MITX is a community of knowledge seekers who collaborate and drive how technology is shaping the future of customer experiences.
Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA): The state's premiere professional organization with more than 11,500 members in public accounting, industry and business, government and education.
Institute for Organization Management (IoM)–Massachusetts Chapter: The professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)–New England Roundtable: Committed to advancing the supply chain profession by connecting, educating and developing the world's supply chain management professionals throughout their careers.
Reading the business administration job market in Massachusetts requires a thorough understanding of salary ranges, key employers and industry-specific nuances, not to mention the cost of living and economic factors that contribute to salary. By leveraging this comprehensive guide, professionals can make informed career decisions, ensuring they are well-compensated in one of the nation's economic powerhouses.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and set realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you could earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
