Software Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 compensation data for Software Engineer positions in Boston, MA. Ranges from $92,000 (entry-level) to $266,000 (senior). Median: $165,000.
Median (Mid)
$165,000
$79.33/hr
vs National
+4%
US: $159,000
COL Index
145
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$266,000
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) | $92,000 | $112,000 | $136,000 | $53.85/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $136,000 | $165,000 | $195,000 | $79.33/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $189,000 | $224,000 | $266,000 | $107.69/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Boston
A mid-level software engineer earning $165,000 in Boston has the same buying power as $114,000 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 Software Engineer Salaries in Boston
The median software engineer salary in Boston, MA is $165,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% 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 software engineers in Boston can expect to earn between $92,000 and $136,000 (about $53.85/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $266,000 ($266K annually, or about $127.88/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: Software Engineer Salary in Boston
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Boston?+
The average Software Engineer salary in Boston is $165,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $112,000 and senior-level pay reaches $224,000.
How much does an entry-level software engineer make in Boston?+
Entry-level software engineers in Boston earn between $92,000 and $136,000, with a median of $112,000 per year (about $53.85/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Software Engineer in Boston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Software Engineer in Boston earns roughly $53.85/hour at entry-level, $79.33/hour at mid-level, and $107.69/hour at senior-level.
Is the Software Engineer salary in Boston higher than the US average?+
Yes — Software Engineer salaries in Boston are about 4% higher than the US national median of $159,000.
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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