Program Manager Salary in Boston
2026 compensation data for Program Manager positions in Boston, MA. Ranges from $89,000 (entry-level) to $236,000 (senior). Median: $144,000.
Median (Mid)
$144,000
$69.23/hr
vs National
-3%
US: $148,000
COL Index
145
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$236,000
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) | $89,000 | $104,000 | $124,000 | $50/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $120,000 | $144,000 | $171,000 | $69.23/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $165,000 | $198,000 | $236,000 | $95.19/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Boston
A mid-level program manager earning $144,000 in Boston has the same buying power as $99,000 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 Program Manager Salaries in Boston
The median program manager salary in Boston, MA is $144,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 3% 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 program managers in Boston can expect to earn between $89,000 and $124,000 (about $50/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $236,000 ($236K annually, or about $113.46/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: Program Manager Salary in Boston
What is the average Program Manager salary in Boston?+
The average Program Manager salary in Boston is $144,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $104,000 and senior-level pay reaches $198,000.
How much does an entry-level program manager make in Boston?+
Entry-level program managers in Boston earn between $89,000 and $124,000, with a median of $104,000 per year (about $50/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Program Manager in Boston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Program Manager in Boston earns roughly $50/hour at entry-level, $69.23/hour at mid-level, and $95.19/hour at senior-level.
Is the Program Manager salary in Boston higher than the US average?+
Program Manager salaries in Boston are about 3% 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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