ML Research Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 compensation data for ML Research Engineer positions in Boston, MA. Ranges from $153,000 (entry-level) to $413,000 (senior). Median: $242,000.
Median (Mid)
$242,000
$116.35/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $254,000
COL Index
145
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$413,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $153,000 | $183,000 | $212,000 | $87.98/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $201,000 | $242,000 | $283,000 | $116.35/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $260,000 | $336,000 | $413,000 | $161.54/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Boston
A mid-level ml research engineer earning $242,000 in Boston has the same buying power as $167,000 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 ML Research Engineer Salaries in Boston
The median ml research engineer salary in Boston, MA is $242,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below 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 ml research engineers in Boston can expect to earn between $153,000 and $212,000 (about $87.98/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $413,000 ($413K annually, or about $198.56/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: ML Research Engineer Salary in Boston
What is the average ML Research Engineer salary in Boston?+
The average ML Research Engineer salary in Boston is $242,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $183,000 and senior-level pay reaches $336,000.
How much does an entry-level ml research engineer make in Boston?+
Entry-level ml research engineers in Boston earn between $153,000 and $212,000, with a median of $183,000 per year (about $87.98/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a ML Research Engineer in Boston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a ML Research Engineer in Boston earns roughly $87.98/hour at entry-level, $116.35/hour at mid-level, and $161.54/hour at senior-level.
Is the ML Research Engineer salary in Boston higher than the US average?+
ML Research Engineer salaries in Boston are about 5% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
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 ML Research Engineer offer in Boston?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
ML Research Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Boston
Know Your Worth as a ML Research Engineer 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