Salaries in New Bedford, MA

Here’s what the numbers don’t tell you about working in New Bedford: you’re earning less than the national median, but your paycheck stretches surprisingly far. In a city of just over 100,000 people, the median household income sits at $53,583—well below the U.S. average. Yet the cost of living here is almost dead-on the national benchmark, at 100.9. That’s a quirky combo.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,205 a month, which feels steep until you compare it to Boston’s stratospheric rents. The math works out: with a $69,647 average salary, you’re not getting rich, but you’re not drowning either. The COL-adjusted average of $69,025 tells you the city’s pay is calibrated to its costs. It’s not a bargain basement, but it’s a solid value compared to coastal metros an hour south.

So who actually thrives here? The waterfront still hums. New Bedford’s economy leans on its port—fishing, logistics, and ship repair are big. But the real surprise is the white-collar growth. Look at the top-paid jobs: Marketing Managers pulling in $158k, Pharmacists at $136k, Software Developers clearing $127k. These aren’t just outliers; they’re signs of a diversifying economy. You’ve got healthcare anchors like Southcoast Health, and tech is quietly creeping in. Construction managers also do well ($108k), reflecting a city that’s rebuilding itself.

Here’s the catch, though: wages aren’t keeping pace with inflation nationally, and New Bedford’s 17.4% bachelor’s degree rate means competition for those high-paying roles is fierce. Unemployment is a tight 3.5%, which is great, but it also means employers aren’t under pressure to hike salaries. This city works financially if you’re in a skilled trade or a licensed professional. For everyone else, it’s a grind.

The data below breaks down who earns what, and what your money actually buys here. It’s a city of compromises, but the ledger balances if you know where to look.