Software Engineer Salary in Boston, MA
Software Engineer salary data for Boston, MA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Software Engineer Salary in Boston, MA — 2026
The median Software Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $183,920 per year ($15,327/month, $88/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 152, which is 52% above the national average.
Software Engineer Take-Home Pay in Boston
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $183,920 |
| Federal Tax | -$33,388 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$9,196 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$13,585 |
| Annual Take-Home | $127,751 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $10,646 |
Living Cost Comparison
Software Engineer Requirements
Key Skills
Boston Job Market Overview
Boston, Massachusetts has a population of 675,647 and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The top industries are Healthcare, Education, Technology. The local job growth rate is 2.0%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
How much does a Software Engineer take home in Boston after taxes?
Is Boston a good city for Software Engineers?
What skills are needed for a Software Engineer in Boston?
How does Software Engineer salary in Boston compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
The median Software Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $183,920 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 152. Entry-level Software Engineers earn around $114,000, while senior-level professionals can earn $259,920 or more.
How much does a Software Engineer take home in Boston after taxes?
A Software Engineer earning the median salary of $183,920 in Boston, MA takes home approximately $127,751 per year ($10,646/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 30.5%.
Is Boston a good city for Software Engineers?
Boston, MA has a cost of living index of 152 (above national average). Software Engineers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.5% and top industries include Healthcare, Education, Technology.
What skills are needed for a Software Engineer in Boston?
Key skills for Software Engineers include Python, JavaScript, SQL, Git, AWS. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include AWS Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional.
How does Software Engineer salary in Boston compare to the national average?
The national median Software Engineer salary is $121,000. In Boston, the adjusted salary is $183,920, which is 52.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.