Salaries in Quincy, MA
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Hereโs the thing about Quincy: you can make a solid six-figure salary and still feel the squeeze. Itโs not a city that hides its costs, but it also doesnโt hide the opportunities. With a population just over 101,000, it has the feel of a larger suburb, and its job market reflects that.
Quincyโs cost of living sits at 111.6โabout 12% higher than the national average. Thatโs not Boston-level inflation, but itโs real. A $163,000 marketing manager salary here adjusts to about $146,000 in true purchasing power. The median household income is $92,085, which sounds comfortable until you see that a one-bedroom apartment runs $2,377 a month. The math gets tight fast.
Whoโs thriving? Look to the healthcare, tech, and construction sectors. Quincy has deep roots in insurance and finance, but in 2026, youโll find a lot of software developers and project managers working for firms that serve the broader Boston metro. The unemployment rate is a low 3.5%, and over half the population holds a bachelorโs degree or higher, which helps explain why the top-paying jobs cluster in skilled, licensed, or management roles.
Hereโs my honest take: wages here are good, but theyโre not sprinting ahead of costs. A software developerโs $131,688 salary feels strong until you adjust it to $118,000. For someone in a licensed field like pharmacy, the $140,763 salary holds its value a bit better. Quincy works best for dual-income households or those in the top-tier occupations listed below. If youโre early in your career or in a lower-paid field, itโs a tougher climb.
The data that follows breaks down who earns what, and what those salaries really mean for your wallet in this specific city.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Quincy
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 40 Occupations in Quincy
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.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Quincy
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Quincy?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Quincy. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Quincy Salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Quincy, MA?
โผ
What jobs pay the most in Quincy?
โผ
Is Quincy affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?
โผ
How does Quincy's cost of living affect my paycheck?
โผ
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Quincy?
โผ
๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Quincy Worth It?
Hereโs my honest take: Quincy is pricey and the math is tight. With an average salary of $71,877, rent at $2,377/month, and a cost-of-living index of 111.6, your paycheck doesnโt stretch far. If youโre chasing the highest earnings, marketing management is the standout, with top pay around $163,105 and a COL-adjusted value of roughly $146,151โeven then, youโre paying a premium to live here.
Who benefits most? Tech and healthcare workers who can tap Boston salaries while living a bit cheaper, plus skilled trades with steady demand and overtime. Pure remote workers can do well if they lock in big-city pay.
Is Quincy worth it financially? Only if the job pays well enough to absorb the rent and taxes, or you split costs.
Advice: Before you move, secure a firm offer at least 20% above the city average or a hybrid/remote setup that doesnโt require commuting five days a week.