Overview Salaries

Salaries in Boston, MA

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Boston, MA?

The average salary in Boston, MA is $97,842 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $97,842 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $8,154 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $1,882 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $47 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Boston, MA, can expect competitive salaries across various industries. Boston ranks high on the list of cities offering attractive pay packages. The average yearly salary for all jobs stands at $97,842, making it a desirable place for career growth. Many sectors offer salaries well above the average, providing opportunities for earning more.


The distribution of salaries shows a wide range. Here are some key figures:

  • 23.96% of jobs offer salaries up to $34,000
  • 14.37% pay between $34,000 and $53,123
  • 12.78% range from $53,123 to $72,245
  • 10.24% offer between $72,245 and $91,368
  • 8.15% fall from $91,368 to $110,491
  • 7.90% earn from $110,491 to $129,614
  • 6.15% range from $129,614 to $148,736
  • 4.72% make between $148,736 and $167,859
  • 3.57% earn from $167,859 to $186,982
  • 2.04% fall from $186,982 to $206,105
  • 1.13% make over $206,105
Boston’s diverse economy supports these varied salary levels.

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What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

Job seekers in Boston, MA, have many opportunities for high-paying careers. Roles such as Psychiatrists and General Dentists lead the way with impressive salaries. For those with specialized skills, positions like Global Analytics Head and Director of Engineering also offer substantial pay. In these professions, expertise and experience play key roles. High demand for skilled professionals ensures competitive salaries. Opportunities in healthcare, technology, and finance present great prospects. Each role requires dedication and skill, but the rewards can be significant.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $293,642 and Director of Engineering with the lowest at $177,819.

  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $293,642
    In this role, professionals help people with mental health issues. They often work in hospitals, private practice, and clinics. Major employers include Boston Medical Center and McLean Hospital.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $257,481
    Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and gums. They work in private practices and larger dental groups. Many work with Harvard School of Dental Medicine. This role often brings stability and good pay.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $256,052
    Physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They work in hospitals, private practice, and clinics. Employers include Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. It's a demanding but rewarding career.
    Find Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Global Analytics Head
    Average Salary: $248,108
    This role leads data analysis projects across the globe. Professionals in this field work with companies like HubSpot and Thermo Fisher Scientific. They use data to make key business decisions and drive growth.
    Find Global Analytics Head jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $217,615
    This role manages compliance with laws and regulations. Professionals work with companies like Biogen and Takeda Pharmaceutical. They ensure products meet industry standards and safety regulations.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $197,449
    Principal Engineers lead design and development projects. They work with tech companies like Progress and Charles River Analytics. They often manage teams and solve complex engineering challenges.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $194,397
    In this position, professionals develop and implement business strategies. They work with companies like Liberty Mutual and State Street. They analyze market trends and create plans to drive company growth.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $184,943
    These managers oversee technical projects. They work in tech companies like Raytheon and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. They ensure projects stay on schedule and meet quality standards.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Business Director
    Average Salary: $179,388
    Business Directors manage company operations and strategy. They work in diverse industries from healthcare to finance. Employers include Blue Cross Blue Shield and Charles Schwab. They drive business performance and guide company direction.
    Find Business Director jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Director of Engineering
    Average Salary: $177,819
    Directors of Engineering lead engineering teams. They work in tech and manufacturing companies like BAE Systems and Fidelity Investments. They manage projects and ensure teams meet goals.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Boston, MA

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

Job seekers in Boston, MA, have several opportunities to secure well-paying positions without a degree. High-paying roles in the city include positions such as canvasser, restaurant manager, and kitchen manager. These roles offer competitive salaries and can provide a stable career path. In Boston, roles like canvassers, restaurant managers, and kitchen managers pay especially well. Canvassers earn an average of $75,327 annually. Restaurant and kitchen managers can expect around $70,195 and $65,994 per year, respectively. These jobs provide a good income and often have room for advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $75,327 and Line Cook with the lowest at $42,062.

  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $75,327
    This role involves promoting products or services directly to customers. Working for local businesses, canvassers engage with people, gather feedback, and often make sales. The role can be flexible and offers a chance to interact with a diverse range of people.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $70,195
    Managing a restaurant requires overseeing daily operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and managing staff. This position is ideal for those who enjoy leadership roles and want to be part of the bustling food industry. Major employers in the city offer growth opportunities and competitive salaries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $65,994
    Kitchen managers are responsible for the smooth running of the kitchen, including managing staff and ensuring food quality. This role works closely with chefs and servers to provide an excellent dining experience. Opportunities exist with fine dining restaurants and casual eateries.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $55,598
    This job involves installing and maintaining irrigation systems for homes and businesses. Technicians work outdoors, ensuring plants receive the right amount of water. They also troubleshoot issues and make repairs. Companies in the city offer this role with training and career advancement.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $51,340
    Working in banquet settings, housepersons prepare event spaces and assist with events. They clean, set up tables and chairs, and support event staff. This role is in high demand for major events and offers flexible hours. It requires attention to detail and a friendly demeanor.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $45,963
    Housekeeping roles involve cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels or residential buildings. They ensure that spaces are tidy and welcoming. This role is available in various settings, from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. It requires reliability and a clean work ethic.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $45,096
    Groundskeepers maintain the outdoor areas of properties, including lawns, gardens, and pathways. They perform tasks such as mowing, pruning, and general upkeep. Opportunities are found in parks, schools, and private properties. The role offers outdoor work and a chance to connect with nature.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $43,395
    Servers play a key role in the dining experience by taking orders, serving food, and ensuring customers are satisfied. They work in a fast-paced environment and need good communication skills. This role is available in many types of restaurants, from casual diners to upscale eateries.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $42,520
    Bar backs assist bartenders by setting up drinks, cleaning glasses, and stocking supplies. This role involves working in busy bars and requires a keen eye for detail. Opportunities exist in various nightlife spots, providing a dynamic work environment.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,062
    Line cooks work in the heart of the kitchen, preparing ingredients and cooking dishes. They need to work quickly and efficiently in a high-pressure setting. This role is available in many restaurants and offers a chance to develop culinary skills.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

Job seekers in Boston can find some of the best-paying companies in the biotech and technology sectors. Genentech leads with an average salary of $244,918, followed closely by AstraZeneca at $211,006. These top-paying companies provide not only competitive salaries but also opportunities for career growth and development. Other notable companies in Boston's salary rankings include Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. at $210,826, Red Hat at $192,950, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals at $189,791. Companies such as Wells Fargo, Mastercard, Amazon Web Services, EY, and PwC also offer attractive salaries ranging from $174,580 to $187,403. These firms provide a range of opportunities for professionals looking for rewarding and well-paying positions in Boston.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Genentech with the highest at $244,918 and PwC with the lowest at $174,580.

  1. Genentech
    Average Salary: $244,918
    Genentech is a leader in biotechnology, developing medicines to treat serious health conditions. They offer competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.


  2. AstraZeneca
    Average Salary: $211,006
    AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines.


  3. Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc.
    Average Salary: $210,826
    This company specializes in recruiting healthcare professionals and offers excellent compensation packages.


  4. Red Hat
    Average Salary: $192,950
    Red Hat is a software company that focuses on open-source solutions and offers competitive salaries in the tech industry.


  5. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $189,791
    Takeda is a global pharmaceutical company committed to creating better health for people and a brighter future.


  6. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $187,403
    Wells Fargo offers various financial services and products. They provide good compensation and career development opportunities.


  7. Mastercard
    Average Salary: $185,613
    Mastercard is a global payments technology leader. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  8. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $181,670
    AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, offers cloud computing services. They provide attractive compensation packages and career growth.


  9. EY
    Average Salary: $176,294
    EY is a leading professional services firm. They offer robust compensation and a range of career opportunities in various fields.


  10. PwC
    Average Salary: $174,580
    PwC is a multinational professional services network. They provide competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.

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

Boston, MA, stands out with a high cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average in multiple categories. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly higher, at 95% above the national average. Other categories, including groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, also reflect higher costs, though not to the same extent as housing. When compared to the national average, Boston's overall cost of living index is elevated by 25%. This reflects the higher prices job seekers might encounter across various essential living expenses. Understanding these percentages helps potential residents and job seekers prepare for the financial realities of living in Boston.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boston, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 95% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

Boston, MA, stands out with a higher cost of living index compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The cost of housing in Boston is significantly elevated, with an index of 195. This means housing costs in Boston are nearly double the national average. People looking for homes or renting apartments will find that expenses in this category are substantially higher.


Across various other areas, Boston also exceeds the average. For groceries, the index is at 120, indicating that shoppers will pay 20% more than the national average. Utilities and healthcare both show an index of 110, reflecting 10% higher costs in these essentials. Transportation costs mirror this trend, also at 110, adding another 10% to the average price. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, have an index of 115, meaning they are 15% higher than average. Altogether, these figures highlight that the cost of living in Boston is notably above the nationwide norm.

There are 9,107 job openings in Boston, MA, today!

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Boston, MA
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