Massachusetts is climbing the ladder in the life sciences industry, and has climbed five spots nationwide in terms of jobs since 2003.Â
As of 2016, the state now ranks No. 2 in the nation in life sciences jobs with 99,000, behind only California with 274,800 jobs, according to the new report from Massachusetts Life Sciences. Massachusetts jumped ahead of life science hub New Jersey, which had 94,100 jobs in 2016, per the report.
That number is up from 86,500 reported in 2009 and 71,000 in 2003.
According to WBJ’s research, there are 24 life sciences companies with at least 100 jobs in Central Massachusetts, including industry giants like Boston Scientific, Sanofi Genzyme and Waters Corp.Â
The Bay State is also moving up in terms of life sciences wages. The industry paid out a total $13.4 billion in 2016, good enough for third on the list, just behind New Jersey’s $13.9 billion.
