An underemployed individual is defined as an individual who is earning less than 60 percent of the median income within their workforce development area of residence. The table below provides additional guidance.
Underemployed individuals should use their individual income for eligibility, not that of their household.
The following chart provides the median income level for each Workforce Area. 60% of USDA/SAIPE County Median Household Income 2023 Workforce Area.
| Region |
60% MHI
|
Hourly Wage
|
| Berkshire |
$44,700
|
$21.50 |
| Boston |
$54,800 |
$26.30 |
| Bristol |
$48,600 |
$23.40 |
| Cape and Islands |
$53,670 |
$25.80 |
| Central Region |
$56,100 |
$27.00 |
| Franklin Hampshire |
$48,500 |
$23.30 |
| Greater Brockton |
$64,700 |
$31.10 |
| Greater Lowell |
$74,000 |
$35.60 |
| Greater New Bedford |
$48,600 |
$23.40 |
| Hampden County |
$40,300 |
$19.40 |
| Merrimack Valley |
$57,800 |
$27.80 |
| Metro North |
$74,000 |
$35.60 |
| Metro South/West |
$74,000 |
$35.60 |
| North Central |
$56,100 |
$27.00 |
| North Shore |
$57,800 |
$27.80 |
| South Shore |
$74,100 |
$35.60 |
