Average salary by job family in Boston
| Management | $183,090 |
|---|---|
| Legal | $176,660 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $136,170 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $124,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $118,920 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $116,950 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $114,170 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $87,200 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $85,360 |
| Construction and Extraction | $82,960 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $72,760 |
| Community and Social Service | $71,590 |
| Protective Service | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related | $66,760 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $59,580 |
| Production | $56,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $53,340 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $48,260 |
| Personal Care and Service | $48,090 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $47,220 |
| Healthcare Support | $47,180 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $42,830 |
Highest-paying jobs in Boston
- Radiologists$400,990
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$368,470
- Emergency Medicine Physicians$367,120
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons$335,710
- Surgeons, All Other$313,610
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$295,020
- Physicians, Pathologists$279,640
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$275,860
- Family Medicine Physicians$264,900
- Natural Sciences Managers$260,090
Most common jobs in Boston and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 72,420 | $42,240 | $40,910 |
| General and Operations Managers | 70,950 | $163,800 | $133,800 |
| Registered Nurses | 64,240 | $121,820 | $106,180 |
| Retail Salespersons | 64,150 | $40,320 | $36,850 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 60,130 | $36,230 | $36,290 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 43,160 | $45,900 | $46,550 |
| Cashiers | 42,920 | $37,260 | $36,040 |
| Software Developers | 42,310 | $162,440 | $166,090 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 41,570 | $45,340 | $39,270 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 37,780 | $53,740 | $49,920 |
Cost of living in Boston
Prices in the Boston area are 8% above the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 108.3 for 2024. The average local salary of $89,620 therefore buys what $82,778 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $741,868, 6.6 times the median household income of $112,484.
Take-home pay in Boston
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $45,850 | $37,048 | $3,087 |
| Median wage | $66,620 | $52,622 | $4,385 |
| Average wage | $89,620 | $67,716 | $5,643 |
| 75th percentile wage | $106,230 | $78,571 | $6,548 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules). Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums are not included.
Compare Boston with another city
Cost of living: Boston vs other cities
- Atlanta vs Boston
- Baltimore vs Boston
- Boston vs Chicago
- Boston vs Dallas
- Boston vs Denver
- Boston vs Detroit
- Boston vs Houston
- Boston vs Los Angeles
- Boston vs Miami
- Boston vs Minneapolis
- Boston vs New York
- Boston vs Philadelphia
- Boston vs Phoenix
- Boston vs Riverside
- Boston vs San Diego
- Boston vs San Francisco
- Boston vs Seattle
- Boston vs Tampa
- Boston vs Washington
Salaries for every job in Boston
Management33 jobs
- Natural Sciences Managers$260K
- Financial Managers$222K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$220K
- Marketing Managers$217K
- Sales Managers$208K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$205K
- Managers, All Other$201K
- Human Resources Managers$198K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$197K
- Public Relations Managers$188K
- Purchasing Managers$184K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$176K
- Fundraising Managers$173K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$166K
- General and Operations Managers$164K
- Industrial Production Managers$162K
- Construction Managers$160K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$150K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$146K
- Facilities Managers$135K
- Emergency Management Directors$135K
- Administrative Services Managers$131K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$130K
- Gambling Managers$120K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$116K
- Funeral Home Managers$111K
- Lodging Managers$111K
- Education Administrators, All Other$109K
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$102K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$98K
- Social and Community Service Managers$93K
- Food Service Managers$93K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$73K
Legal7 jobs
Computer and Mathematical20 jobs
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$171K
- Software Developers$162K
- Database Architects$161K
- Computer Network Architects$154K
- Information Security Analysts$152K
- Data Scientists$137K
- Actuaries$133K
- Computer Systems Analysts$132K
- Database Administrators$130K
- Computer Programmers$129K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$127K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$124K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$120K
- Statisticians$120K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$118K
- Web Developers$116K
- Operations Research Analysts$108K
- Mathematicians$104K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$94K
- Computer User Support Specialists$79K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical62 jobs
- Radiologists$401K
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$368K
- Emergency Medicine Physicians$367K
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons$336K
- Surgeons, All Other$314K
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$295K
- Physicians, Pathologists$280K
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$276K
- Family Medicine Physicians$265K
- Physicians, All Other$245K
- Pediatricians, General$236K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$234K
- Podiatrists$231K
- Dentists, General$221K
- Dentists, All Other Specialists$191K
- Nurse Midwives$165K
- Veterinarians$160K
- Optometrists$156K
- Nurse Practitioners$155K
- Medical Dosimetrists$151K
- Physician Assistants$148K
- Pharmacists$142K
- Registered Nurses$122K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$120K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$116K
- Acupuncturists$115K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$113K
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$110K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$108K
- Radiation Therapists$108K
- Physical Therapists$107K
- Audiologists$106K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$105K
- Respiratory Therapists$105K
- Dental Hygienists$104K
- Genetic Counselors$104K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$103K
- Occupational Therapists$101K
- Chiropractors$98K
- Orthotists and Prosthetists$94K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$92K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$90K
- Surgical Technologists$86K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$83K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$81K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$78K
- Athletic Trainers$76K
- Therapists, All Other$72K
- Exercise Physiologists$72K
- Paramedics$72K
- Hearing Aid Specialists$70K
- Recreational Therapists$69K
- Opticians, Dispensing$67K
- Surgical Assistants$66K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$65K
- Medical Records Specialists$63K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$57K
- Psychiatric Technicians$56K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$55K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$54K
- Pharmacy Technicians$52K
- Dietetic Technicians$44K
Architecture and Engineering32 jobs
- Computer Hardware Engineers$177K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$154K
- Aerospace Engineers$146K
- Engineers, All Other$137K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$136K
- Nuclear Engineers$134K
- Electrical Engineers$132K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$128K
- Mechanical Engineers$122K
- Materials Engineers$122K
- Industrial Engineers$120K
- Civil Engineers$119K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$119K
- Chemical Engineers$118K
- Environmental Engineers$115K
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$102K
- Landscape Architects$93K
- Surveyors$92K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$86K
- Mechanical Drafters$81K
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians$81K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$80K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$78K
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$77K
- Drafters, All Other$76K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$75K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$74K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$72K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$72K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$67K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$67K
Life, Physical, and Social Science39 jobs
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$139K
- Physical Scientists, All Other$138K
- Economists$137K
- Political Scientists$136K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$134K
- Materials Scientists$133K
- Epidemiologists$132K
- Chemists$131K
- Physicists$130K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$127K
- Life Scientists, All Other$126K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$124K
- Sociologists$124K
- Microbiologists$121K
- Food Scientists and Technologists$120K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$119K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$118K
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$118K
- Psychologists, All Other$114K
- Historians$113K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$109K
- Urban and Regional Planners$105K
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$105K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$105K
- Nuclear Technicians$103K
- School Psychologists$100K
- Forensic Science Technicians$87K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$83K
- Conservation Scientists$81K
- Foresters$80K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$78K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$78K
- Chemical Technicians$71K
- Survey Researchers$69K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$68K
- Biological Technicians$68K
- Social Science Research Assistants$64K
- Food Science Technicians$64K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$59K
Business and Financial Operations30 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$177K
- Management Analysts$150K
- Financial Risk Specialists$138K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$131K
- Financial Examiners$122K
- Project Management Specialists$122K
- Loan Officers$120K
- Insurance Underwriters$116K
- Labor Relations Specialists$114K
- Credit Analysts$111K
- Compliance Officers$111K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$110K
- Accountants and Auditors$109K
- Cost Estimators$108K
- Logisticians$108K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$107K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$104K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$102K
- Budget Analysts$101K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$101K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$98K
- Human Resources Specialists$97K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$90K
- Training and Development Specialists$90K
- Fundraisers$87K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$84K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$81K
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$79K
- Credit Counselors$69K
- Tax Preparers$61K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media30 jobs
- Art Directors$148K
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$125K
- Fashion Designers$119K
- Technical Writers$115K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$108K
- Producers and Directors$97K
- Writers and Authors$95K
- Editors$94K
- Public Relations Specialists$94K
- Film and Video Editors$93K
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other$92K
- Music Directors and Composers$92K
- Sound Engineering Technicians$89K
- Interior Designers$85K
- Special Effects Artists and Animators$84K
- Graphic Designers$82K
- Audio and Video Technicians$82K
- Interpreters and Translators$81K
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$78K
- Set and Exhibit Designers$77K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$74K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$73K
- Coaches and Scouts$71K
- Photographers$71K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$68K
- Lighting Technicians$66K
- Broadcast Technicians$61K
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$58K
- Floral Designers$49K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$48K
Educational Instruction and Library58 jobs
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$206K
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary$178K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$177K
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$157K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$150K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$148K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$143K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$141K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$137K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$136K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$130K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$129K
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$128K
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$125K
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$123K
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$120K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$116K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$114K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$113K
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$111K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$109K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$105K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$104K
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$102K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$101K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$98K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$98K
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$97K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$96K
- Instructional Coordinators$96K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$94K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$94K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$93K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$92K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$92K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$92K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$91K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$90K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$89K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$86K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$86K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$85K
- Curators$84K
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$84K
- Archivists$83K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$82K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$78K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$72K
- Tutors$69K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$67K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$66K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$64K
- Library Technicians$56K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$52K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$48K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$47K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$44K
Construction and Extraction38 jobs
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$125K
- Pile Driver Operators$114K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$113K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$103K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$103K
- Glaziers$96K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$93K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$92K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$88K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$86K
- Tile and Stone Setters$84K
- Electricians$83K
- Carpenters$81K
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$80K
- Sheet Metal Workers$79K
- Stonemasons$78K
- Tapers$76K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$74K
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$74K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$73K
- Pipelayers$72K
- Construction Laborers$71K
- Roofers$70K
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$70K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$69K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$65K
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$65K
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers$63K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$62K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$61K
- Floor Sanders and Finishers$57K
- Fence Erectors$56K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$54K
- Carpet Installers$52K
- Helpers--Electricians$50K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$49K
- Helpers--Carpenters$47K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$47K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair39 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$111K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$108K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$98K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$95K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$92K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$90K
- Avionics Technicians$83K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$81K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$81K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$80K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$79K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$78K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$77K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$77K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$76K
- Home Appliance Repairers$73K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$71K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$70K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$69K
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$68K
- Millwrights$67K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$66K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$65K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$63K
- Mechanical Door Repairers$62K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$61K
- Riggers$61K
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$60K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$60K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$60K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$60K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$59K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$59K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$56K
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$54K
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$54K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$47K
- Bicycle Repairers$44K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$40K
Community and Social Service16 jobs
- Social Workers, All Other$100K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$95K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$87K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$86K
- Counselors, All Other$82K
- Healthcare Social Workers$79K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$79K
- Health Education Specialists$75K
- Clergy$74K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$73K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$71K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$67K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$62K
- Community Health Workers$60K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$60K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$51K
Protective Service20 jobs
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$120K
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$118K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$105K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$103K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$93K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$85K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$84K
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$80K
- Bailiffs$80K
- Firefighters$75K
- Transportation Security Screeners$72K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$71K
- Animal Control Workers$64K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$62K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$55K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$54K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$54K
- Security Guards$46K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$38K
- School Bus Monitors$38K
Sales and Related18 jobs
- Sales Engineers$139K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$129K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$123K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$123K
- Insurance Sales Agents$105K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$99K
- Advertising Sales Agents$95K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$94K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$61K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$60K
- Travel Agents$60K
- Parts Salespersons$51K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$51K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$48K
- Telemarketers$44K
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers$42K
- Retail Salespersons$40K
- Cashiers$37K
Office and Administrative Support52 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$90K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$82K
- Brokerage Clerks$72K
- Desktop Publishers$71K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$69K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$69K
- Statistical Assistants$68K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$66K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$65K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$65K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$65K
- Postal Service Clerks$63K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$63K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$62K
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers$62K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$62K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$61K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$61K
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$61K
- Financial Clerks, All Other$61K
- Procurement Clerks$61K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$60K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$59K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$58K
- Bill and Account Collectors$58K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$58K
- Order Clerks$58K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$57K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$57K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$57K
- Word Processors and Typists$56K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$55K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$54K
- Customer Service Representatives$54K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$53K
- Office Clerks, General$53K
- Telephone Operators$53K
- File Clerks$52K
- New Accounts Clerks$52K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$51K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$50K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$50K
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$49K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$48K
- Correspondence Clerks$48K
- Tellers$47K
- Data Entry Keyers$47K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$46K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$46K
- Couriers and Messengers$45K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$44K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$44K
Production87 jobs
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$117K
- Power Plant Operators$103K
- Gas Plant Operators$102K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$87K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$86K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$84K
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$84K
- Chemical Plant and System Operators$84K
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic$79K
- Tool and Die Makers$75K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$75K
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$73K
- Machinists$71K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$71K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$70K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$67K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$66K
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$66K
- Pourers and Casters, Metal$66K
- Medical Appliance Technicians$65K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$64K
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$63K
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$63K
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic$62K
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$62K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$62K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$61K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$61K
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers$60K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$60K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$59K
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians$58K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$58K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$58K
- Upholsterers$58K
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$58K
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$57K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$57K
- Furniture Finishers$57K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$56K
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$56K
- Printing Press Operators$56K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$56K
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$56K
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$55K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$55K
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers$55K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$55K
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$54K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$53K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$53K
- Etchers and Engravers$53K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$52K
- Production Workers, All Other$52K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$50K
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$50K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$50K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$49K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$49K
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$49K
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers$48K
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$48K
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48K
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers$48K
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$47K
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$47K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47K
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$46K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$45K
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$45K
- Helpers--Production Workers$45K
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Sewing Machine Operators$44K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$43K
- Bakers$42K
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers$42K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$41K
- Food Batchmakers$40K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$39K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$38K
Transportation and Material Moving34 jobs
- Air Traffic Controllers$141K
- Ship Engineers$125K
- Crane and Tower Operators$98K
- Transportation Inspectors$87K
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$85K
- Hoist and Winch Operators$77K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$77K
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$75K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$74K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$71K
- Traffic Technicians$70K
- Flight Attendants$69K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$64K
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$63K
- Bus Drivers, School$62K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$59K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$53K
- Light Truck Drivers$53K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$51K
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$49K
- Motorboat Operators$48K
- Driver/Sales Workers$48K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$47K
- Aircraft Service Attendants$47K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$46K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$45K
- Passenger Attendants$42K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$41K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$41K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$41K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$40K
- Parking Attendants$39K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$36K
- Taxi Drivers$36K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance9 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$72K
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$70K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$69K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$64K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$61K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$51K
- Pest Control Workers$51K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$46K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$43K
Personal Care and Service25 jobs
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$73K
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$69K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$62K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$59K
- Crematory Operators$59K
- Costume Attendants$55K
- Residential Advisors$51K
- Skincare Specialists$50K
- Funeral Attendants$49K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$49K
- Animal Trainers$49K
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners$46K
- Concierges$46K
- Animal Caretakers$45K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$43K
- Gambling Dealers$43K
- Childcare Workers$43K
- Recreation Workers$42K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$41K
- Tour and Travel Guides$41K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$39K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$39K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$36K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$36K
- Shampooers$35K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry5 jobs
Healthcare Support17 jobs
- Physical Therapist Assistants$78K
- Massage Therapists$77K
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$70K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$61K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$61K
- Dental Assistants$58K
- Phlebotomists$54K
- Psychiatric Aides$53K
- Medical Assistants$53K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$49K
- Nursing Assistants$49K
- Orderlies$44K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$42K
- Medical Transcriptionists$42K
- Physical Therapist Aides$40K
- Occupational Therapy Aides$39K
- Pharmacy Aides$39K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$75K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$54K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$50K
- Bartenders$46K
- Cooks, Restaurant$46K
- Waiters and Waitresses$45K
- Cooks, Fast Food$42K
- Food Preparation Workers$42K
- Cooks, Short Order$42K
- Dishwashers$40K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$39K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$39K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$38K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$36K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$36K
Jobs paid by the hour in Boston
For 2 jobs in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $54.84 | $38.18 | 540 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | $18.07 | $16.61 | 120 |
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Boston: questions
What is a good salary in Boston?
Half of all workers in the Boston metro earn less than $66,620 and the average is $89,620. Earning more than $106,230 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Boston to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $75,537, because prices here are 8% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 108.3).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Boston?
Radiologists ($400,990), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($368,470), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($367,120).
What is the average salary in Cambridge?
Cambridge is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, where the average salary is $89,620 a year and the median $66,620. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Cambridge, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
What is the average salary in Newton?
Newton is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, where the average salary is $89,620 a year and the median $66,620. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for Newton, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (14460), all occupations and 686 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules). Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums are not included.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.