Attorney Salary in Boston

2026 compensation data for Attorney positions in Boston, MA. Ranges from $83,000 (entry-level) to $354,000 (senior). Median: $171,000.

Median (Mid)

$171,000

$82.21/hr

vs National

+0%

US: $171,000

COL Index

145

vs US avg = 100

Senior Max

$354,000

Top of band

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–2 years)$83,000$142,000
$83KMedian: $109,000$142K
Mid-Level (3–5 years)$130,000$212,000
$130KMedian: $171,000$212K
Senior (6+ years)$201,000$354,000
$201KMedian: $266,000$354K

Detailed Compensation Breakdown

LevelAnnual MinAnnual MedianAnnual MaxHourly (Median)
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs)$83,000$109,000$142,000$52.4/hr
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs)$130,000$171,000$212,000$82.21/hr
Senior (6+ yrs)$201,000$266,000$354,000$127.88/hr

What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Boston

A mid-level attorney earning $171,000 in Boston has the same buying power as $118,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 145).

Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.

About Attorney Salaries in Boston

The median attorney salary in Boston, MA is $171,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 145 (national average = 100), Boston offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.

Entry-level attorneys in Boston can expect to earn between $83,000 and $142,000 (about $52.4/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $354,000 ($354K annually, or about $170.19/hour).

These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Boston.

Frequently Asked Questions: Attorney Salary in Boston

What is the average Attorney salary in Boston?+

The average Attorney salary in Boston is $171,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $109,000 and senior-level pay reaches $266,000.

How much does an entry-level attorney make in Boston?+

Entry-level attorneys in Boston earn between $83,000 and $142,000, with a median of $109,000 per year (about $52.4/hour).

What is the hourly rate for a Attorney in Boston?+

Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Attorney in Boston earns roughly $52.4/hour at entry-level, $82.21/hour at mid-level, and $127.88/hour at senior-level.

Is the Attorney salary in Boston higher than the US average?+

Yes — Attorney salaries in Boston are about 0% higher than the US national median of $171,000.

Does this include bonuses or equity?+

No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.

🤖

Negotiating a Attorney offer in Boston?

Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.

Get AI Negotiation Coaching

Attorney Salaries in Other Cities

Other Roles in Boston

Know Your Worth as a Attorney in Boston

You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.

Free · No signup · Instant answers