Overview Salaries

Salaries in Boston, MA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Boston, MA?

The average salary in Boston, MA is $96,279 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $96,279 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $8,023 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $1,852 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $46 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Boston, MA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in Boston stands at $96,279. This figure highlights the city's robust job market and economic opportunities.

Different sectors contribute to Boston's salary landscape. For example, jobs in finance, technology, and healthcare typically offer higher salaries. Entry-level positions start around $34,000, while senior roles can exceed $200,000. This range allows for growth and advancement, making Boston an attractive place for job seekers.


  • Entry-level jobs: $34,000
  • Mid-level jobs: $72,000
  • Senior-level jobs: $200,000+
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What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

Boston, MA, offers several top-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the best-paying roles are positions such as Psychiatrist, Physician, and General Dentist, with average annual salaries of $299,678, $267,494, and $251,130, respectively. These roles require specialized education and training, but the investment pays off with competitive compensation packages. Additionally, other high-paying jobs include Regulatory Affairs Director, Principal Engineer, and Director of Enterprise Strategy, among others. These roles demand advanced skills and experience but offer substantial rewards. Business Directors and Enterprise Architects also make the list, highlighting the variety of high-paying opportunities available in Boston.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $299,678 and Enterprise Architect with the lowest at $168,626.

  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $299,678
    This role involves diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Psychiatrists often work in clinics and hospitals. They may collaborate with psychologists and social workers.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $267,494
    Physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. They often use the latest medical technology.
    Find Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  3. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $251,130
    General dentists provide routine dental care. They work in private practices and clinics. Dentists must keep up with the latest dental technologies and techniques.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $207,994
    This role involves ensuring that companies comply with regulations. Directors work in pharmaceutical and biotech firms. They must stay informed about changes in regulations.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $194,789
    Principal engineers lead teams of engineers. They work in technology firms and startups. They must have strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $193,787
    This role involves developing and implementing company strategies. Directors work in large corporations and tech companies. They must have strong leadership and analytical skills.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $182,196
    Technical programs managers oversee projects. They work in technology and software companies. They must be skilled in project management and communication.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
    Average Salary: $175,468
    These nurses provide care for patients with mental health issues. They work in hospitals and clinics. They must have strong communication and assessment skills.
    Find Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Business Director
    Average Salary: $171,542
    Business directors lead teams and make strategic decisions. They work in various industries. They must have strong leadership and business acumen.
    Find Business Director jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Enterprise Architect
    Average Salary: $168,626
    Enterprise architects design and implement technology solutions. They work in IT firms and large corporations. They must have strong technical and strategic skills.
    Find Enterprise Architect jobs in Boston, MA

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

Boston offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Canvassers lead the way with an average salary of $77,866 per year, helping companies reach new customers. Restaurant managers, kitchen managers, and irrigation technicians also earn good wages, with average salaries of $66,788, $60,892, and $49,542 respectively. Additionally, positions like landscaper, banquet houseperson, server, housekeeping, groundskeeper, and line cook offer solid earnings. These jobs provide opportunities to earn over $40,000 a year without needing a college degree. They also offer growth potential and job stability in Boston’s vibrant economy.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $77,866 and Line Cook with the lowest at $41,778.

  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $77,866
    Engage in door-to-door visits to gather information. Work with various companies, including political campaigns and non-profits. Learn about local issues and communicate effectively with residents.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $66,788
    Oversee daily operations at dining establishments. Manage staff, handle customer complaints, and ensure smooth service. Many opportunities exist with chains and local eateries in the city.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $60,892
    Supervise kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety standards. Manage inventory and kitchen budgets. Work in a variety of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,542
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water distribution in landscapes. Work with both residential and commercial properties, ensuring plants and lawns thrive.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $48,696
    Create and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant, prune, and install landscaping features. Work with residential homeowners and commercial properties to enhance beauty and functionality.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $47,335
    Set up banquet rooms for events. Work in banquet halls and hotels, ensuring spaces are ready for functions. Learn to arrange tables, chairs, and decorations efficiently.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $45,185
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Work in a variety of dining environments. Gain experience in customer service and time management. Great for those who enjoy interacting with people.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,614
    Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. Work in hotels and motels to ensure a comfortable environment. Develop skills in cleaning, organizing, and attention to detail.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $44,399
    Maintain outdoor spaces and facilities. Mow lawns, trim hedges, and handle grounds maintenance. Work for schools, parks, and private properties, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,778
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in commercial kitchens. Work in a fast-paced environment. Learn to work under pressure and master multiple tasks quickly. Opportunities in various types of restaurants.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

Boston offers numerous opportunities for job seekers with competitive salaries. Companies like AstraZeneca, Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc., and Red Hat lead the way with some of the highest average salaries. AstraZeneca tops the list with an average salary of $210,742, followed closely by Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. at $190,102. These top-paying companies provide rewarding career paths for those seeking well-compensated positions in Boston.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting AstraZeneca with the highest at $210,742 and Eli Lilly with the lowest at $172,746.

  1. AstraZeneca
    Average Salary: $210,742
    AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and sale of prescription medicines. It employs many in Boston and offers competitive salaries.


  2. Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc.
    Average Salary: $190,102
    Specializing in healthcare recruitment, this company helps professionals find top jobs in the medical field. They offer attractive compensation packages.


  3. Red Hat
    Average Salary: $188,025
    Red Hat is a leader in open-source solutions. It offers many tech jobs with strong salaries in Boston, making it a top choice for IT professionals.


  4. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $187,307
    One of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., Wells Fargo offers various roles with solid pay. It is known for its employee benefits and career growth.


  5. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $181,747
    Takeda focuses on biopharmaceutical research and development. It pays well and provides a supportive environment for career development.


  6. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $179,191
    A leader in cloud computing, AWS offers many high-paying roles. It is a top choice for those in tech and IT.


  7. Mastercard
    Average Salary: $176,433
    Mastercard is a global payment technology company. It offers good pay and benefits for those in finance and technology.


  8. Motional
    Average Salary: $174,761
    Motional focuses on autonomous vehicle technology. It offers competitive salaries and exciting opportunities in tech and engineering.


  9. PwC
    Average Salary: $174,020
    A leading professional services firm, PwC provides various job opportunities with solid compensation.


  10. Eli Lilly
    Average Salary: $172,746
    Eli Lilly is a global pharmaceutical company. It offers many roles with good pay and benefits, focusing on health and wellness.

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. Specifically, the cost of living index in Boston is 142%, meaning it costs 42% more on average to live there than in other parts of the country. Housing stands out the most, with an index of 179%, significantly higher than other categories like groceries at 116% and utilities at 109%.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boston, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 79% higher, groceries 16% higher, utilities 9% higher, transportation 16% higher, healthcare 11% higher, miscellaneous 22% higher.

Boston, Massachusetts, stands out with a notably higher cost of living than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The cost of housing in Boston is the most striking, with an index of 179. This means that housing costs are nearly 80% higher than the national average. For job seekers considering Boston, this could significantly affect their budget if they are not prepared for these increased expenses.


Other areas also show higher costs compared to the national average. Groceries in Boston have a cost of living index of 116, indicating a 16% increase. Utilities and transportation also show slight increases, with indices of 109 and 116, respectively. Healthcare costs, while still higher than average at 111, show a more moderate rise of 11%. Miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 122, are 22% higher than the national average. These factors combine to make Boston an expensive place to live, especially for those new to the area.

There are 8,361 job openings in Boston, MA, today!

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Boston, MA
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