Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (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 |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat 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
Provide legal counsel, represent clients in court, draft contracts, and ensure regulatory compliance across practice areas. This page covers attorney compensation specifically in Boston, MA.
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.
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