Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $73,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | $40.87/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $97,000 | $118,000 | $142,000 | $56.73/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $136,000 | $168,000 | $207,000 | $80.77/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Boston
A mid-level professor earning $118,000 in Boston has the same buying power as $81,000 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 Professor Salaries in Boston
The median professor salary in Boston, MA is $118,000 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 professors in Boston can expect to earn between $73,000 and $100,000 (about $40.87/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $207,000 ($207K annually, or about $99.52/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: Professor Salary in Boston
What is the average Professor salary in Boston?+
The average Professor salary in Boston is $118,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $85,000 and senior-level pay reaches $168,000.
How much does an entry-level professor make in Boston?+
Entry-level professors in Boston earn between $73,000 and $100,000, with a median of $85,000 per year (about $40.87/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Professor in Boston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Professor in Boston earns roughly $40.87/hour at entry-level, $56.73/hour at mid-level, and $80.77/hour at senior-level.
Is the Professor salary in Boston higher than the US average?+
Professor 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.
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