Software Engineer Salary in Boston

2026 compensation data for Software Engineer positions in Boston. Ranges from $92,000 (entry-level) to $266,000 (senior).

Median (Mid)

$165,000

vs National

+4%

COL Index

145

Senior Max

$266,000

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–2 years)$92,000$136,000
$92KMedian: $112,000$136K
Mid-Level (3–5 years)$136,000$195,000
$136KMedian: $165,000$195K
Senior (6+ years)$189,000$266,000
$189KMedian: $224,000$266K

Detailed Compensation Breakdown

LevelMinimumMedianMaximum
Entry-Level$92,000$112,000$136,000
Mid-Level$136,000$165,000$195,000
Senior$189,000$224,000$266,000

About Software Engineer Salaries in Boston

The median software engineer salary in Boston 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 higher 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, while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $266,000.

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.

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