Salaries in Boston, MA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Boston, MA?

The average salary in Boston, MA is $86,328 per year.

Boston, MA offers a variety of salary opportunities across different industries. The average salary in Boston is $86,328. This figure provides a good starting point for job seekers. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and role.


Here are some average salaries for various roles in Boston:

  • Information Technology: $103,136
  • Healthcare: $85,727
  • Finance: $120,545
  • Education: $68,318
  • Retail: $33,500
These figures show the range of earnings available in Boston. Job seekers can find competitive pay in many fields.

View jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

Boston offers many top-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Physicians, including general dentists, lead the way with high salaries. Other high-paying roles include global analytics heads, regulatory affairs directors, and psychiatric mental health nurses. Business and engineering positions also pay well. Directors of enterprise strategy, principal engineers, and solutions architects find good compensation in Boston. These roles require strong skills and experience, making them attractive for those seeking financial rewards. Job seekers in these fields can expect competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $271,494 and Chief Operating Officer with the lowest at $157,887.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $271,494
    Physicians in Boston work in top-tier hospitals like Mass General and Brigham and Women's. They provide care and treatment for patients. The city offers many opportunities for specialization and professional growth.
    Find Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Global Analytics Head
    Average Salary: $238,934
    Leading analytics teams, professionals in this role drive data-driven decisions. They work with companies like Liberty Mutual and State Street. They analyze data to improve business strategies and operations.
    Find Global Analytics Head jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $193,442
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. Directors work with biotech firms like Biogen and Moderna. They manage regulatory submissions and maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
    Average Salary: $182,725
    These nurses provide mental health care in hospitals and clinics. They work with patients to manage mental health issues. The city offers many opportunities in healthcare facilities and private practices.
    Find Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $178,257
    Directors of enterprise strategy develop long-term plans for companies. They work with firms like Liberty Mutual and State Street. They analyze market trends and create strategies to drive business growth.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $168,530
    Principal engineers lead development teams and projects. They work with tech companies like Fidelity and Charles River Analytics. They design and implement software solutions to meet business needs.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Business Director
    Average Salary: $164,967
    Business directors oversee operations and strategy. They work with companies like Liberty Mutual and State Street. They manage budgets, projects, and teams to achieve business goals.
    Find Business Director jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $163,431
    Solutions architects design and implement technology solutions. They work with firms like Fidelity and Charles River Analytics. They create systems that meet business needs and improve efficiency.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $157,887
    COOs manage day-to-day operations. They work with companies like Liberty Mutual and State Street. They oversee departments, manage budgets, and ensure smooth business operations.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA without a degree?

Boston offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Canvassers, mobile equipment operators, and restaurant managers lead the list with strong earnings. These roles provide good pay and valuable experience, making them attractive options for job seekers. Canvassers in Boston earn an average of $79,464 annually. Mobile equipment operators and restaurant managers also enjoy good salaries, with averages of $75,000 and $63,010, respectively. These positions demand skills and dedication, offering a chance to earn well without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $79,464 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $42,563.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $79,464
    This role involves gathering information and opinions from the public. It is often for political campaigns or market research firms. Companies like local political offices and research firms hire canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Mobile Equipment Operator
    Average Salary: $75,000
    Operators work with various types of mobile equipment, such as cranes and excavators. They are often employed by construction companies or maintenance firms. Skills in operating heavy machinery are essential.
    Find Mobile Equipment Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,010
    Managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant. They handle staff, customer service, and inventory. Many local restaurants and chains offer these positions. Experience in the food service industry is beneficial.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $61,936
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. They work in restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Strong organizational skills and a background in cooking are important.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $59,514
    Laborers assist in the construction of concrete structures. They mix and pour concrete, and maintain tools. Construction companies and contractors often hire laborers. Physical strength and attention to detail are key.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,242
    Technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for landscaping companies and golf courses. Knowledge of irrigation systems and outdoor work is essential.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $47,063
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks in restaurants. They interact with customers and manage tables. Many local eateries and cafes offer these positions. Good communication skills are important.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $44,855
    Landscapers maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. They plant, prune, and care for gardens. Landscaping companies and homeowners hire landscapers. Experience with gardening tools and plants is helpful.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $44,717
    Housepersons set up and clean banquet areas. They work in event spaces and hotels. They prepare rooms and handle catering needs. Attention to detail and organizational skills are valuable.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $42,563
    Floor technicians clean and maintain floors in various settings. They work in offices, schools, and hospitals. They use cleaning equipment and follow safety protocols. Physical stamina and cleanliness are important.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Boston, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

Boston offers many job opportunities with competitive salaries. Companies like Palo Alto Networks, AstraZeneca, and Wells Fargo lead the way in offering top pay. Palo Alto Networks tops the list with an average salary of $254,763. AstraZeneca follows closely with an average salary of $202,567. Wells Fargo offers an average salary of $194,405. These companies provide excellent compensation packages, making Boston a great place for job seekers seeking high-paying roles.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $254,763 and Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. with the lowest at $162,611.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $254,763
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity leader. They offer a range of security solutions for enterprises.


  2. AstraZeneca
    Average Salary: $202,567
    AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company. They focus on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines.


  3. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $194,405
    Wells Fargo is a financial services company. They offer banking, investment, and mortgage services.


  4. Red Hat
    Average Salary: $176,220
    Red Hat is a leader in open-source solutions. They provide cloud computing, Linux, and middleware products.


  5. PwC
    Average Salary: $169,881
    PwC is a professional services network. They offer assurance, tax, and consulting services.


  6. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $169,794
    LifeStance Health is a behavioral health company. They provide mental health services to patients.


  7. EY
    Average Salary: $169,508
    EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. They help businesses grow and develop.


  8. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $169,279
    Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company. They focus on research and development of new medicines.


  9. Publicis Sapient
    Average Salary: $163,234
    Publicis Sapient is a digital transformation company. They help businesses adapt to digital changes.


  10. Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc.
    Average Salary: $162,611
    Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. specializes in healthcare staffing. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities.

How does the cost of living in Boston, MA compare to the national average?

Boston, MA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Boston stands at 135, which is 35% higher than the average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 80% above the national average. Other categories like groceries and transportation also show significant increases, making Boston an expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boston, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 80% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

Boston, MA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for housing in Boston is 180, which is 80% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in Boston are significantly more expensive than the average cost across the country. For groceries, the cost of living index is 120, indicating a 20% increase over the national average. This suggests that residents of Boston will spend more on food than the average American.


Utilities in Boston also cost more, with an index of 110, which is 10% higher than the nationwide average. Transportation costs are 30% higher, with an index of 130. Healthcare costs are 15% higher, with an index of 115. Miscellaneous expenses, which include items like clothing, entertainment, and personal care, are 25% higher, with an index of 125. Overall, Boston's cost of living is notably higher across various categories, making it important for job seekers to consider these factors when planning their move.

There are 12,316 job openings in Boston, MA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Boston, MA

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City
Overview
Boston, MA
12,316 Job Openings