University of Massachusetts Payroll Tops One Billion Dollars

Stop me if you've heard this before. The highest-paid employees in Massachusetts work for the university system. Yep, it pays to work in academia in Massachusetts, literally and figuratively.

Boston.com reported that "In total, the University of Massachusetts system accounted for an impressive $1.55 billion in state payroll expenditures, further cementing its central role in the state's public sector workforce."

Coaches and Chancellors Lead the Pack

As of November 10, 2025, "UMass Men's Basketball Head Coach Francisco (Frank) Martin held onto the title of the highest-paid state employee for the third consecutive year, with a salary of $1,955,216."

UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins is second at $1.2 million, and UMass Head Football Coach Joseph Harasymiak is third at $1.1 million.

The Massachusetts Office of the Comptroller says the total state payroll is $11.75 billion, down slightly from last year. The Comptroller says 14 of the top 15 paid workers are with the UMass system, which it says has a $1.62 billion payroll.

The top five most consistent departments in terms of payroll include the University of Massachusetts System, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, the Trial Court, the Department of Developmental Services, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

UMass Dominates the State Payroll

For a little perspective, the average annual salary for a Massachusetts worker is around $80,000. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey earns a combined compensation of more than $300,000, and New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody earns around $250,000.

The Comptroller's Office updates the state's payroll data bi-weekly and posts the information on its website.

Seeing some of those salaries I help to pay, I kind of wish I had paid more attention during basketball lessons in my high school gym class.