City
Salary

What is the average salary in Boston, MA?

The average salary in Boston, MA is $97,877 per year.

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.

View jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

The best-paying jobs in Boston, MA, offer excellent salaries and rewarding careers. Among the top positions, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists lead the way with an average salary of $287,483. Other high-paying roles include Physicians, General Dentists, and Internal Medicine Physicians, all earning over $200,000 annually. These jobs provide stability and a strong income, making them attractive to skilled professionals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the highest at $287,483 and Psychiatrist with the lowest at $291,550.
  1. 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.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  3. 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.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. 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.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  5. 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.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Boston, MA


  6. 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.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  7. 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.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  8. 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.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Boston, MA


  9. 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.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Boston, MA


  10. 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.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Boston, MA

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

Opportunities abound for job seekers in Boston who prefer not to pursue a college degree. Several high-paying positions offer competitive salaries and valuable career growth. A Floating Operator earns an average salary of $137,831. This job offers flexibility and the potential for higher pay with experience. Other lucrative roles include Irrigation Technician and Canvasser, both providing substantial earnings. Each of these positions offers unique benefits and chances for advancement without needing a degree. For instance, Grounds/Maintenance Specialists and Banquet Housepeople also pay well, with salaries of $52,000 and $53,571, respectively. These jobs are ideal for those seeking steady income and professional development in a thriving city like Boston.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA without a degree, highlighting Floating Operator with the highest at $137,831 and Beauty Consultant with the lowest at $41,458.
  1. 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.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  2. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boston, MA


  3. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Boston, MA


  4. 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.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Boston, MA


  5. 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.
    Find Grounds/Maintenance Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  6. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boston, MA


  7. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  8. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boston, MA


  9. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  10. 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.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Boston, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

Boston offers numerous opportunities for professionals seeking high-paying jobs. Companies like Genentech and Leoforce top the list with the highest average salaries. Genentech leads with an average salary of $244,473, followed closely by Leoforce at $202,325. Several other firms in Boston provide competitive compensation as well. Anduril Industries, Red Hat, and Mastercard all offer average salaries above $190,000. For instance, Red Hat pays an average of $194,001, while Mastercard averages $191,880. Other notable companies include Publicis Sapient, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., all offering salaries over $180,000. These figures highlight Boston’s strong job market for highly skilled professionals.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Genentech with the highest at $244,473 and Motional with the lowest at $180,529.
  1. Genentech
    Average Salary: $244,473
    Genentech is a biotechnology company focused on delivering treatments for serious diseases. It offers competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Leoforce
    Average Salary: $202,325
    Leoforce is a technology staffing and services company. It provides opportunities in various tech fields and pays well.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. Mastercard
    Average Salary: $191,880
    Mastercard is a leading payment processing company. It offers stable employment and attractive salaries.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. Publicis Sapient
    Average Salary: $182,292
    Publicis Sapient is a digital transformation company. It focuses on creating technology-driven solutions for businesses.


  9. 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.


  10. 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, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing, for example, has a cost index of 194, which is 94% above the national average of 100. This high index suggests that housing alone is nearly double the cost of living elsewhere in the country. Across various categories, Boston's cost of living remains elevated. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses all exceed the national average. Groceries reach 119%, utilities sit at 109%, transportation at 113%, healthcare at 108%, and miscellaneous expenses at 116%. These percentages highlight the higher expenses Boston residents face in multiple areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boston, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 94% higher, groceries 19% higher, utilities 9% higher, transportation 13% higher, healthcare 8% higher, miscellaneous 16% higher.

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.

There are 9,118 job openings in Boston, MA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Boston, MA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Boston, MA
9,118 Job Openings