Salary & Cost of Living in Brookline, MA
Brookline, MA: $77,341 median salary, cost of living index 134, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$77,341
$37/hr
Cost of Living
134
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.6%
rate
Brookline, MA Overview
Population
59,180
Median Salary
$77,341
Average Salary
$86,622
Avg Commute
16 min
Median Home Price
$558,000
Median Rent
$2,262/mo
Job Growth
+2.1%
Sales Tax
6.25%
Brookline is located in Massachusetts with a population of 59,180. The median household salary is $77,341 per year ($37/hour), which is $17,957 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.1%.
Brookline Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Brookline, MA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $77,341 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $47,951 | $23.05/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $77,341 | $37.18/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $109,824 | $52.80/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $137,667 | $66.18/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Brookline Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Brookline, MA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$58,928
$4,910.70/month · $2,266.47/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.8%
Gross Pay
$77,341
Federal Tax
-$8,629
State Tax
-$3,867
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,917
Net Pay
$58,928
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,445.08 | $77,341.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$719.09 | -$8,629.02 |
| Massachusetts State Tax (5%) | -$322.25 | -$3,867.05 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$399.60 | -$4,795.14 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$93.45 | -$1,121.44 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,910.70 | $58,928.34 |
Salary Comparison: Brookline vs Other Cities
See how Brookline's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MA | $77,341 | 134 | $57,717 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| East Orange, NJ | $77,355 | 129.1 | $59,919 |
| Union City, NJ | $77,370 | 117.2 | $66,015 |
| Glen Burnie, MD | $77,456 | 108.8 | $71,191 |
| Haverhill, MA | $77,194 | 139.4 | $55,376 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Brookline
Brookline's cost of living index is 134 (national average = 100). Living in Brookline is 34% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$558,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,262
Annual Rent Cost
$27,144
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $58,928 annual take-home pay in Brookline has the purchasing power of approximately $43,976 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $103,637 in Brookline to match a $77,341 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Brookline
Brookline's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $77,341.
Salary Tips for Brookline Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Brookline has a cost of living 34% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Research top industries. Brookline's top industries include Biotech, Education, Finance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $77,341 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Brookline, MA?
The median salary in Brookline, MA is $77,341 per year, or $37 per hour. The average salary is $86,622. This is $17,957 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Brookline, MA?
Brookline's cost of living index is 134 (national average = 100), meaning it is 34% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $558,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,262.
What are the best industries in Brookline?
The top industries in Brookline, MA include Biotech, Education, Finance. The city has a job growth rate of 2.1% and an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $77,341.
How does Brookline's salary compare to other cities?
Brookline's median salary of $77,341 is 30.2% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 134), the real purchasing power is approximately $57,717.
What is the minimum wage in Brookline, MA?
The minimum wage in Brookline, MA is $15.00 per hour. This equals approximately $31,200 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.