Average Salary in Lowell, MA (2026) | Ocity

Here’s the thing about Lowell that most people miss: for a city of 114,000, its median household income of $73,083 punches way above its weight class in New England. It’s not a sleepy suburb; it’s a legit economic engine with a 3.5% unemployment rate that’s frankly better than the national average.

But let’s talk real purchasing power. The cost of living index is 111.6—about 11% pricier than the U.S. average. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,518 a month. That means the average salary of $71,508 gets you a COL-adjusted take-home of about $64,075. It’s not a steal, but it’s not a rip-off either. You’re paying a premium, but the job market is tight enough that you’re not stuck.

Who’s actually thriving here? The data points to a few clear winners. Marketing managers can pull in $163,105, while pharmacists and software developers are right behind them, clearing $140,000 and $131,000 respectively. This isn’t just a factory town anymore. You’ve got tech spillover from Boston, a healthcare sector anchored by Lowell General, and a construction boom that’s keeping project managers busy at over $104,000 a pop.

The catch? Wages for the average worker are keeping pace, but just barely. If you’re in one of those top five fields, Lowell feels like a sweet spot—Boston salaries with a lower rent tab. If you’re not, the math gets tighter. It’s a city that rewards specific, in-demand skills.

Below, we’ll break down the numbers so you can see exactly where you’d fit in.

🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Lowell

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

🥇 +4% vs national

Marketing Manager

$163,105

💡 COL-Adjusted $146,151

⏱ Hourly $78.42/hr

📈 Job Growth +8.0%

👥 Jobs Here 228

Career Guide → Best Cities →

🥈 +4% vs national

Pharmacist

$140,763

💡 COL-Adjusted $126,132

⏱ Hourly $67.67/hr

📈 Job Growth -3.0%

👥 Jobs Here 228

Career Guide → Best Cities →

🥉 +4% vs national

Software Developer

$131,688

💡 COL-Adjusted $118,000

⏱ Hourly $63.31/hr

📈 Job Growth +17.0%

👥 Jobs Here 685

Career Guide → Best Cities →

4️⃣ +4% vs national

Construction Manager

$111,975

💡 COL-Adjusted $100,336

⏱ Hourly $53.83/hr

📈 Job Growth +8.0%

👥 Jobs Here 228

Career Guide → Best Cities →

5️⃣ +4% vs national

Project Manager

$104,804

💡 COL-Adjusted $93,910

⏱ Hourly $50.39/hr

📈 Job Growth +6.0%

👥 Jobs Here 228

Career Guide → Best Cities →

📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 40 Occupations in Lowell

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (112/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

#	Occupation ↕	Raw Salary ↕	COL-Adjusted ↕	vs National	Growth ↕	Hourly
1	Marketing Manager	$163,105	$146,151	+4%	+8.0%	$78.42
2	Pharmacist	$140,763	$126,132	+4%	-3.0%	$67.67
3	Software Developer	$131,688	$118,000	+4%	+17.0%	$63.31
4	Construction Manager	$111,975	$100,336	+4%	+8.0%	$53.83
5	Project Manager	$104,804	$93,910	+4%	+6.0%	$50.39
6	Physical Therapist	$103,179	$92,454	+4%	+14.0%	$49.61
7	Financial Analyst	$102,455	$91,806	+4%	+9.0%	$49.26
8	Web Developer	$95,977	$86,001	+4%	+16.0%	$46.14
9	Dental Hygienist	$90,576	$81,161	+4%	+9.0%	$43.55
10	Accountant	$89,075	$79,816	+4%	+4.0%	$42.82
11	Registered Nurse	$89,065	$79,807	+4%	+6.0%	$42.82
12	Data Analyst	$86,260	$77,294	+4%	+36.0%	$41.47
13	Police Officer	$77,516	$69,459	+4%	+3.0%	$37.27
14	Human Resources Specialist	$70,004	$62,728	+4%	+8.0%	$33.66
15	Elementary School Teacher	$65,885	$59,037	+4%	+1.0%	$31.68
16	Plumber	$65,554	$58,740	+4%	+6.0%	$31.52
17	Paralegal	$64,933	$58,184	+4%	+4.0%	$31.22
18	Electrician	$63,691	$57,071	+4%	+11.0%	$30.62
19	Real Estate Agent	$63,619	$57,006	+4%	+3.0%	$30.59
20	Graphic Designer	$63,474	$56,876	+4%	+3.0%	$30.52
21	Firefighter	$59,107	$52,963	+4%	+4.0%	$28.42
22	Carpenter	$58,900	$52,778	+4%	+5.0%	$28.32
23	HVAC Technician	$57,607	$51,619	+4%	+6.0%	$27.70
24	Heavy Truck Driver	$54,937	$49,227	+4%	+4.0%	$26.41
25	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	$51,740	$46,362	-5%	+3.0%	$24.88
26	Insurance Agent	$51,740	$46,362	-35%	+3.0%	$24.88
27	Veterinary Technician	$51,740	$46,362	+21%	+3.0%	$24.88
28	Dental Assistant	$51,740	$46,362	+15%	+3.0%	$24.88
29	Pharmacy Technician	$51,740	$46,362	+28%	+3.0%	$24.88
30	Loan Officer	$51,740	$46,362	-32%	+3.0%	$24.88
31	Nail Technician	$51,740	$46,362	+55%	+3.0%	$24.88
32	Cosmetologist	$51,740	$46,362	+35%	+3.0%	$24.88
33	Personal Trainer	$51,740	$46,362	+11%	+3.0%	$24.88
34	Chef/Head Cook	$51,740	$46,362	-14%	+3.0%	$24.88
35	Auto Mechanic	$51,740	$46,362	+7%	+3.0%	$24.88
36	Social Worker	$51,740	$46,362	-15%	+3.0%	$24.88
37	Welder	$51,315	$45,981	+4%	+2.0%	$24.67
38	Medical Assistant	$39,601	$35,485	+4%	+15.0%	$19.04
39	Security Guard	$37,397	$33,510	+4%	+3.0%	$17.98
40	Nursing Assistant (CNA)	$37,004	$33,158	+4%	+4.0%	$17.79

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

🏙️ Living Costs in Lowell

🏠

1BR Rent

$1,518/mo

🏡

2BR Rent

$1,995/mo

🏘️

Median Home

$490,000

📉

Unemployment

3.5%

💳

Median Income

$73,083

🎓

College Educated

33%

🚶

Walk Score

45/100

📊

Cost of Living

112

Near Avg Cost

📊 Full Cost of Living Breakdown → 🏠 Real Estate Market →

🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Lowell?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Lowell. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

💰 Salary Reality Check for Lowell 🔄 Salary Equivalence Calculator 🔍 Career Arbitrage Tool

❓ Lowell Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Lowell, MA?

▼

The average salary across 40 occupations is $71,508. This is slightly below the median household income of $73,083. Insight: Average salaries lag slightly behind household earnings, suggesting multiple-income households are common.

What jobs pay the most in Lowell?

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Marketing Manager is the highest paying role at $163,105. This is 128% above the average salary of $71,508. Insight: Specialized management roles command a significant premium in the local market.

Is Lowell affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

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Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $163,105 is more than sufficient for Lowell's cost of living. The cost of living index is 111.6, which is 11.6% above the national average. Insight: This salary provides substantial financial comfort after covering housing, which costs $1,518 monthly for a 1BR.

How does Lowell's cost of living affect my paycheck?

▼

A cost of living index of 111.6 means your paycheck has about 11.6% less purchasing power than the national average. For example, a $71,500 salary here feels like $64,068 nationally. Insight: The primary driver is housing, with a 1BR rent of $1,518/month consuming a significant portion of the average salary.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lowell?

▼

To live comfortably, you likely need a salary above the area average of $71,508. A common benchmark is the 30% rule for housing, suggesting a salary of around $60,720 to afford the $1,518 monthly rent. Insight: For a more robust budget including savings, a salary closer to $90,000 would be advisable given the 111.6 COL index.

📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Lowell Worth It?

Here’s my honest take: Lowell isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a smart bet. With an average salary of $71,508 and a cost of living at 111.6, you’re not getting rich overnight, but your paycheck stretches further than in Boston. Marketing Managers are the clear winners here, earning a COL-adjusted $146,151—proof that specialized roles pay off.

For me, the sweet spot is healthcare and trades. Hospitals and manufacturing plants are the backbone, offering stability that tech jobs here still lack. If you’re considering the move, my one piece of advice: lock in a job before you move. The commute to Boston is tempting for higher pay, but it’ll eat your salary and soul. Lowell’s value is in its community, not just the numbers.

Explore Lowell Further

🏙️ Lowell City Overview 💰 Cost of Living 🏠 Real Estate 💼 All Career Guides 🔍 Career Arbitrage