Overview Salaries

Salaries in Boston, MA

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Boston, MA?

The average salary in Boston, MA is $98,083 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $98,083 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $8,174 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Boston, MA, showing an average salary of $1,886 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 competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in Boston is $98,083. This figure shows the earning potential that job seekers can expect in this vibrant city. Boston attracts professionals from many fields, providing a robust job market with attractive pay packages.


Different sectors offer varying salary levels. For example, roles in technology, finance, and healthcare pay the highest, with average salaries reaching up to $200,000 annually. Meanwhile, jobs in education, hospitality, and retail generally offer lower salaries, ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. Overall, Boston presents a diverse range of career opportunities with significant earning potential.

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What are the best paying jobs in Boston, MA?

The Boston job market offers some of the highest-paying positions in various industries. These roles attract professionals who can offer top-tier skills and education. For instance, psychiatrists earn over $292,000 annually, while certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians also enjoy six-figure salaries. These jobs demand specialized training, which justifies their high compensation. Additionally, several roles in healthcare and engineering offer lucrative salaries. General dentists and primary care physicians see incomes around $260,000 per year. Regulatory affairs directors, directors of engineering, and principal engineers also earn substantial salaries, ranging from $200,000 to $224,000 annually. Job seekers in Boston can find well-paid positions in these competitive fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $292,832 and Director of Enterprise Strategy with the lowest at $200,931.

  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $292,832
    Professionals in this role diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They work with hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Renowned institutions like Mass General offer excellent opportunities.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $287,969
    These nurses provide anesthesia care for patients. They work in operating rooms and pain management clinics. Hospitals such as Brigham and Women's employ them frequently.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $265,486
    Doctors diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Top employers include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital.
    Find Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  4. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $262,177
    Dentists provide preventive and restorative care for patients. They work in private practices and dental clinics. Local practices offer a wide range of opportunities.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $226,295
    These doctors offer routine healthcare services to patients. They work in clinics and hospitals. Top employers like Harvard Vanguard have excellent job openings.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $223,866
    Professionals in this role ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. They work for pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms. Companies like Biogen and Genzyme offer many positions.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Director Engineering
    Average Salary: $216,399
    These leaders oversee engineering projects and teams. They work for technology and engineering firms. Companies like General Electric and Raytheon have top-tier roles.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $215,173
    These engineers design and develop advanced systems and products. They work for tech companies and research labs. Firms like Raytheon and Liberty Mutual offer many roles.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $202,563
    These managers lead technical projects and teams. They work for tech companies and startups. Employers like Raytheon and Bose Corporation have many positions.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $200,931
    These leaders develop and implement strategic plans. They work for large corporations and consultancies. Companies like General Electric and State Street Corporation have key roles.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Boston, MA

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

Looking for top-paying jobs in Boston without needing a college degree? Consider roles like Floating Operator, which offer high salaries with significant earnings potential. The city provides opportunities in various fields, from operating machinery to managing kitchen teams, ensuring competitive wages. Among these, positions such as Irrigation Technician and Banquet Houseperson also offer attractive salaries. These roles demand skills rather than formal education, allowing professionals to earn well while leveraging their expertise. Job seekers can find fulfilling careers in Boston that combine strong earnings with accessible entry requirements.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boston, MA without a degree, highlighting Floating Operator with the highest at $135,121 and Server with the lowest at $41,292.

  1. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $135,121
    This role offers flexibility and the chance to work across different venues. Companies like event management firms provide such opportunities. The job involves managing events with a strong focus on guest experience.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $57,633
    Maintaining landscape health is key. Gardening and landscape companies rely on skilled technicians. The job requires setting up and maintaining irrigation systems to keep plants thriving.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $54,602
    Gathering data and feedback is essential. Marketing firms and research companies hire canvassers. The role involves visiting locations to gather information directly from individuals.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $53,454
    Ensuring event spaces are immaculate is a top priority. Hotel and event venues depend on these professionals. They prepare rooms and facilities, making events run smoothly.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
    Average Salary: $52,000
    Keeping outdoor areas clean and well-maintained is a daily task. Parks and recreational areas need these specialists. They handle tasks like mowing, planting, and repair work.
    Find Grounds/Maintenance Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $47,383
    Keeping rooms and public areas clean is a key responsibility. Hotels and resorts depend on diligent housekeepers. The job involves making beds, cleaning bathrooms, and replenishing supplies.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $46,690
    Overseeing kitchen operations is vital. Restaurants and catering companies rely on these managers. They ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $45,973
    Maintaining outdoor spaces is important. Schools and parks employ groundskeepers. Tasks include lawn care, tree maintenance, and garden upkeep.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $42,342
    Preparing food quickly and correctly is crucial. Restaurants and cafes need skilled cooks. They work in fast-paced kitchens, focusing on efficiency and quality.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $41,292
    Delivering excellent service is key. Restaurants and cafes hire servers. They take orders, serve food, and ensure customers have a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Boston, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boston, MA?

Boston is known for its thriving job market, especially for high-paying positions. Among the leading companies, Genentech stands out, offering an average salary of $245,170. Other top-paying companies include Anduril Industries with an average salary of $194,472, and Red Hat with $192,520. These companies provide competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. Mastercard and Wells Fargo also offer strong compensation packages, with average salaries around $191,574 and $188,658, respectively. Companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Publicis Sapient continue to attract talent with their attractive pay, while biotech firms such as Alexion Pharmaceuticals and EMD Serono also provide competitive wages. Job seekers in Boston have many excellent options for securing a lucrative career.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boston, MA, highlighting Genentech with the highest at $245,170 and EMD Serono, Inc. with the lowest at $179,703.

  1. Genentech
    Average Salary: $245,170
    Genentech is a biotechnology company that develops medicines for complex diseases. It offers competitive salaries and a great work environment.


  2. Anduril Industries
    Average Salary: $194,472
    Anduril Industries focuses on defense technology. It provides innovative solutions and attracts top talent with attractive compensation packages.


  3. Red Hat
    Average Salary: $192,520
    Red Hat specializes in open-source software solutions. It offers high salaries and a dynamic work culture.


  4. Mastercard
    Average Salary: $191,574
    Mastercard is a global payments technology leader. It offers excellent compensation and a chance to work on exciting projects.


  5. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $188,658
    Wells Fargo is a financial services company known for its stability. It provides competitive salaries and a variety of career opportunities.


  6. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Average Salary: $183,148
    AWS offers cloud computing services. It attracts talent with attractive pay and a focus on innovation.


  7. Publicis Sapient
    Average Salary: $182,101
    Publicis Sapient is a digital transformation company. It provides high salaries and a supportive work environment.


  8. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Average Salary: $181,318
    Alexion focuses on developing treatments for rare diseases. It offers good compensation and a mission-driven culture.


  9. Motional
    Average Salary: $179,973
    Motional is an autonomous vehicle company. It provides high salaries and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology.


  10. EMD Serono, Inc.
    Average Salary: $179,703
    EMD Serono is a biopharmaceutical company. It offers competitive salaries and a chance to contribute to innovative health solutions.

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

The cost of living in Boston, MA, notably exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are particularly high, with an index of 173 compared to the average of 100. This indicates that housing in Boston is 73% more expensive than the average U.S. city. Other essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also show significant increases, all surpassing the 100 index mark. For instance, groceries cost 16% more, while utilities and transportation each cost about 13% more. Overall, these figures reveal a higher cost of living in Boston compared to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boston, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 73% higher, groceries 16% higher, utilities 13% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 12% higher, miscellaneous 8% higher.

The cost of living in Boston, MA, stands notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, housing costs are 73% higher in Boston, with an index of 173. This significant increase reflects the higher expenses job seekers might face when considering relocation to Boston. Additionally, groceries in Boston are 16% more expensive, with an index of 116. Utilities and transportation also show slight increases, with indices of 113 and 115, respectively, indicating an 11–15% rise in costs compared to the national average.


Healthcare expenses in Boston follow closely behind with an index of 112, representing a 12% increase over the national average. Miscellaneous costs, including items like entertainment and personal care, have an index of 108, which is 8% higher. These statistics provide a clear picture of the higher expenses Boston residents may encounter. Job seekers should consider these cost differences when evaluating potential job opportunities in the city.

There are 8,249 job openings in Boston, MA, today!

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Boston, MA
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