Overview Salaries

Salaries in Boston, MA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Boston, MA?

The average salary in Boston, MA is $98,041 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $98,041 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $8,170 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $1,885 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.

Boston, MA, offers attractive salaries across many industries. Job seekers can expect an average yearly salary of around $98,000. This figure reflects the city’s diverse job market, which provides good pay in several sectors.

Some of the highest paying jobs in Boston include:

  • Software Developers: Earn around $129,886 annually.
  • Data Scientists: Bring in about $149,064 each year.
  • Financial Managers: Typically make $168,241 per year.
  • Engineers: Usually earn close to $187,418 annually.
  • Physicians: Often make around $206,595 yearly.
  • Lawyers: Generally earn about $225,773 per year.

These figures show that Boston has a strong job market with competitive salaries for skilled professionals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

For job seekers in Boston, MA, several roles offer top-tier pay. Psychiatrists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and General Dentists lead the way with average salaries above $250,000. Other high-paying positions include Global Analytics Heads, Physicians, and Regulatory Affairs Directors. These jobs require advanced degrees or certifications and offer a chance for substantial earnings. In addition to these roles, Boston offers high salaries for technology and engineering jobs. Positions like Principal Engineer, Director of Enterprise Strategy, and Technical Programs Manager also provide competitive compensation. These roles often demand specialized skills and experience, but they reward employees with attractive salaries. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find excellent opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $292,109 and Technical Programs Manager with the lowest at $186,642.

  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $292,109
    This role involves evaluating patients' mental health. Psychiatrists work in hospitals and private practices. They treat various disorders through therapy and medication. Boston has reputable institutions for mental health care.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $289,021
    This professional administers anesthesia to patients. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. They play a key role in surgeries, ensuring patient comfort. Boston’s hospitals offer many opportunities in this field.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $262,603
    This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. Dentists work in private practices and clinics. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Boston has a high demand for skilled dental professionals.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Global Analytics Head
    Average Salary: $256,925
    This position leads data analysis for global operations. The role involves interpreting data to improve business strategies. They work with tech firms and consulting companies. Boston has a thriving tech industry.
    Find Global Analytics Head jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Physician
    Average Salary: $256,000
    This professional diagnoses and treats illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. Physicians need strong analytical skills. Boston’s medical institutions offer many positions for qualified doctors.
    Find Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $220,962
    This role ensures compliance with regulations. Directors work with pharmaceutical and biotech firms. They manage documentation and liaise with regulatory bodies. Boston has many companies in these industries.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $203,649
    This professional provides general health care. They see patients for routine check-ups and treatments. Working in private practice or clinics, they ensure patient health. Boston has a high need for primary care services.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $197,737
    This engineer leads software development teams. They design and implement systems. Working for tech companies, they drive innovation. Boston's tech scene offers many opportunities in this field.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $194,104
    This role involves strategic planning for companies. Directors work with senior management. They develop long-term plans to ensure growth. Boston has many businesses needing strategic direction.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $186,642
    This manager oversees technical projects. They coordinate teams and ensure project completion. Working for tech and consulting firms, they balance technical and business needs. Boston has many firms needing skilled managers.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA

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

Job seekers in Boston can find high-paying positions without needing a degree. Canvassers earn an average of $75,327 annually, which is the highest among these opportunities. Positions such as restaurant managers, kitchen managers, and irrigation technicians also offer attractive salaries. These roles rely on skills and experience rather than formal education. Restaurant managers, for instance, earn around $70,532 per year, while kitchen managers make about $67,071. Other jobs like banquet housepersons, housekeeping staff, and groundskeepers provide solid income as well. These jobs often come with opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry.
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 $42,150.

  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $75,327
    Promote products or services door-to-door or via telephone. Often work for advertising agencies, real estate firms, or charities. Look for work in local businesses like real estate agencies or campaign offices.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $70,532
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Ensure smooth service, manage staff, handle finances, and maintain customer satisfaction. Opportunities available in upscale dining spots like Legal Sea Foods or at casual eateries like Dunkin'.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $67,071
    Supervise kitchen staff, maintain food quality, and manage inventory. Work in bustling kitchens at places like Starbucks or at local family-owned restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $56,088
    Design and install irrigation systems. Work on projects for landscape companies or city parks departments. Look for openings with local landscaping firms like Landscape One.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $52,573
    Set up and clean banquet areas for events. Ensure everything looks perfect for weddings or corporate functions. Positions available at event spaces like the Boston Convention Center or at upscale hotels.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $46,607
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, or other lodging facilities. Work in bustling hotels like the Fairmont Copley Plaza or at more affordable options like the Kendall Hotel.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $44,857
    Maintain lawns, gardens, and parks. Work in local parks departments or for landscape companies. Look for jobs with city parks departments or local landscaping firms.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $42,517
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. Work in busy spots like TGI Fridays or more casual diners like Roadhouse Grill.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $42,387
    Assist bartenders by cleaning glasses, preparing drinks, and stocking supplies. Often work in lively bars like The Cask 'n Flagon or at local sports bars like The Pour House.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,150
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a restaurant kitchen. Work in fast-paced kitchens at places like O Ya and in local seafood restaurants.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

Boston offers many opportunities for professionals seeking top-tier salaries. Genentech leads the pack, offering the highest average salary of $244,918. This is followed closely by Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc., with an average salary of $212,593. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making Boston a prime location for those looking to enhance their earnings. Other prominent companies in Boston also offer competitive salaries. AstraZeneca pays an average of $210,916, while Red Hat provides $192,832. Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Wells Fargo, Mastercard, Amazon Web Services, Publicis Sapient, and EY also offer strong salaries, ranging from $177,746 to $190,528. These companies provide excellent career opportunities for job seekers aiming for a lucrative salary.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Genentech with the highest at $244,918 and EY with the lowest at $177,746.

  1. Genentech
    Average Salary: $244,918
    Genentech is a biotech company known for its innovative therapies in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. It offers competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.


  2. Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc.
    Average Salary: $212,593
    Northeast Healthcare Recruitment, Inc. specializes in placing healthcare professionals in various roles. It provides a high average salary and a supportive work environment.


  3. AstraZeneca
    Average Salary: $210,916
    AstraZeneca is a global pharmaceutical company that develops and sells prescription medicines. It offers attractive salaries and opportunities for career growth.


  4. Red Hat
    Average Salary: $192,832
    Red Hat is a software company that focuses on open-source solutions. It provides a high average salary and a dynamic work culture.


  5. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $190,528
    Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a multinational pharmaceutical company. It offers competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being.


  6. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $187,829
    Wells Fargo is a financial services company. It provides high salaries and various opportunities for professional development.


  7. Mastercard
    Average Salary: $185,406
    Mastercard is a global payments technology leader. It offers attractive salaries and a diverse work environment.


  8. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $182,003
    Amazon Web Services is a leader in cloud computing. It provides high salaries and innovative career opportunities.


  9. Publicis Sapient
    Average Salary: $180,206
    Publicis Sapient is a global digital transformation company. It offers competitive salaries and a focus on creative and technological growth.


  10. EY
    Average Salary: $177,746
    EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. It provides attractive salaries and a strong career development program.

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

Boston, MA, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The index for Boston is significantly higher in housing, reaching 171, which is 71% above the average of 100. This means housing costs in Boston are about 71% higher than the typical cost across the country. Other areas, such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare, also exceed the national average, though to a lesser extent. This trend indicates that living in Boston involves higher expenses in multiple daily living categories.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boston, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 71% higher, groceries 21% higher, utilities 18% higher, transportation 11% higher, healthcare 8% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts, stands notably higher than the nationwide average. For instance, housing costs in Boston are approximately 71% higher than the national average. This means that if the average cost of housing nationally is 100, Boston’s cost is 171, showcasing a significant premium for housing in the city. This higher index affects many job seekers considering relocation, as the expense of finding a place to live can be a major factor in their decision-making process.


Beyond housing, other expenses in Boston also surpass the national average. For example, groceries cost about 21% more, and utilities are roughly 18% higher. Transportation costs are about 11% above the national norm, and miscellaneous expenses show a 15% increase. Healthcare costs, while still high, show a relatively smaller increase of about 8%. This detailed breakdown reveals that while Boston offers a high standard of living, it also demands a higher financial commitment from its residents across various aspects of daily life.

There are 8,847 job openings in Boston, MA, today!

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