What is the average salary in Boston, MA?
Boston, MA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary for workers here stands at about $97,877. This amount reflects the city's vibrant job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and role, offering ample opportunities for growth.
Some of the top-paying sectors in Boston include technology, finance, and healthcare. Jobs in these sectors often come with higher salaries. For instance, the top 10% of earners make over $189,782 per year. These high salaries attract many professionals looking for rewarding careers. Workers in these industries benefit from not just higher pay, but also opportunities for career advancement and job stability.
What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $287,483
In this role, you’ll help administer anesthesia in hospitals and surgical centers. Your work involves patient care and collaboration with surgeons and other healthcare professionals. Boston offers many opportunities at institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
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Physician
Average Salary: $266,575
As a physician, you’ll diagnose and treat illnesses, manage patient care, and conduct medical research. You can work in private practices or major hospitals such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Tufts Medical Center. This job requires strong problem-solving and communication skills.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $264,919
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues. They perform procedures like cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Working in Boston means you’ll have access to advanced dental technology and a diverse patient base. Practices like Harvard School of Dental Medicine offer excellent opportunities.
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Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $230,892
Internal medicine physicians, also known as internists, focus on adult medicine. They diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases. This job requires strong diagnostic skills and a compassionate approach to patient care. You’ll find many opportunities in hospitals like Boston Medical Center.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $223,369
This role involves ensuring that companies comply with health and safety regulations. You’ll work with government agencies and internal teams. This job is vital for companies like Biogen and Genzyme, which operate in highly regulated environments.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $219,949
Primary care physicians provide general medical care. They manage chronic conditions and coordinate patient care. Working in Boston offers access to top-tier medical facilities and a diverse community. Practices like Boston Medical Center offer many opportunities.
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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $215,055
Principal engineers lead development projects and manage teams. They design and implement solutions to complex problems. Boston’s tech scene includes companies like PayPal and Liberty Mutual, offering many opportunities for engineering talent.
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Director Engineering
Average Salary: $214,864
Directors of engineering oversee engineering teams and projects. They guide technical strategies and ensure project success. Boston’s vibrant tech industry provides numerous opportunities at firms like Charles River Analytics and State Street Corporation.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $203,182
In this role, you’ll develop and implement strategies to drive business growth. You’ll analyze market trends and work with senior management. Boston is a hub for finance and tech, with companies like Fidelity Investments and HubSpot needing strategic leaders.
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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $291,550
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They provide therapy and prescribe medication. Working in Boston offers many opportunities at institutions like McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and empathy.
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What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA without a degree?

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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $137,831
This role involves managing water operations at different facilities. You might work for companies like the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The job offers stable hours and the chance to learn more about water systems.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $57,633
Working with irrigation systems, you help maintain water supplies for parks and gardens. Companies like Park Services need skilled technicians. This job often includes hands-on work and seasonal opportunities.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $55,488
Canvassers promote products or services by visiting homes and businesses. Companies like local campaign offices hire canvassers. It’s a great way to interact with people and earn a steady income.
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Banquet Houseperson
Average Salary: $53,571
Setting up tables and chairs, you ensure events run smoothly. Working for venues like The Boston Harbor Hotel, this role offers flexible hours and the chance to work in a bustling environment.
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Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
Average Salary: $52,000
Keeping grounds clean and safe, you handle everything from mowing lawns to minor repairs. Companies like Boston Public Works hire specialists. This job offers the chance to work outdoors and maintain community spaces.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $48,031
Ensuring cleanliness, you make sure rooms meet high standards. Working for hotels like the Boston Marriott, this role involves attention to detail and a friendly approach. It’s a steady job with good benefits.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $47,090
Overseeing kitchen staff, you ensure smooth kitchen operations. Companies like local restaurants look for managers who can handle stress and keep the kitchen running efficiently.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $45,495
Maintaining outdoor areas, you keep parks and campuses looking great. Working for the City of Boston, you’ll enjoy seasonal work and the chance to contribute to the community’s beauty.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,311
Cooking in a fast-paced kitchen, you prepare food quickly and accurately. Restaurants like Legal Sea Foods need skilled cooks. It’s a demanding job that offers the chance to work with a talented team.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $41,458
Helping customers find the right beauty products, you work in retail stores. Companies like Ulta Beauty hire consultants with a passion for beauty and customer service. This job allows you to share your beauty knowledge with others.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

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Genentech
Average Salary: $244,473
Genentech is a biotechnology company focused on delivering treatments for serious diseases. It offers competitive salaries and benefits.
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Leoforce
Average Salary: $202,325
Leoforce is a technology staffing and services company. It provides opportunities in various tech fields and pays well.
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Anduril Industries
Average Salary: $195,535
Anduril Industries creates advanced technologies for defense and security. It is known for its high pay and innovative work.
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Red Hat
Average Salary: $194,001
Red Hat is a software company that specializes in open-source solutions. Employees benefit from good salaries and comprehensive benefits.
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Mastercard
Average Salary: $191,880
Mastercard is a leading payment processing company. It offers stable employment and attractive salaries.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $188,584
Wells Fargo is one of the largest financial services companies. It provides a range of financial products and competitive pay.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Average Salary: $183,428
AWS is a cloud services division of Amazon. It offers opportunities in tech and cloud computing with high salaries.
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Publicis Sapient
Average Salary: $182,292
Publicis Sapient is a digital transformation company. It focuses on creating technology-driven solutions for businesses.
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Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Average Salary: $181,346
Alexion is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to serving patients with rare diseases. It pays well for its roles.
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Motional
Average Salary: $180,529
Motional is developing autonomous driving technologies. It is a growing company with good compensation packages.
How does the cost of living in Boston, MA compare to the national average?

Boston, MA, shows a higher cost of living in several key areas compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Boston stands at 194, which means housing costs are 94% higher than the national average. This makes finding affordable housing a significant challenge for many residents. In contrast, groceries and transportation costs are only slightly above the national average, at 119% and 113%, respectively. These increases are not as steep, offering some relief in daily spending.
Utilities and healthcare in Boston also show modest increases, with indices of 109% and 108%. This means that utilities and healthcare costs are about 9% and 8% higher than the national average, respectively. Miscellaneous costs also rise slightly, with an index of 116%, showing a 16% increase. These figures help job seekers understand the financial landscape in Boston and plan their budgets accordingly.



