Salary & Cost of Living in Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA: $69,899 median salary, cost of living index 148.5, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$69,899
$34/hr
Cost of Living
148.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
4.1%
rate
Somerville, MA Overview
Population
81,045
Median Salary
$69,899
Average Salary
$78,287
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$750,000
Median Rent
$3,041/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
Somerville is located in Massachusetts with a population of 81,045. The median household salary is $69,899 per year ($34/hour), which is $10,515 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Somerville Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Somerville, MA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $69,899 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 | $43,337 | $20.84/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $69,899 | $33.61/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $99,257 | $47.73/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $124,420 | $59.83/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.
Somerville Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Somerville, MA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$54,065
$4,505.42/month · $2,079.42/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.7%
Gross Pay
$69,899
Federal Tax
-$6,992
State Tax
-$3,495
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,347
Net Pay
$54,065
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,824.92 | $69,899.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$582.65 | -$6,991.78 |
| Massachusetts State Tax (5%) | -$291.25 | -$3,494.95 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$361.14 | -$4,333.74 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$84.46 | -$1,013.54 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,505.42 | $54,065.00 |
Salary Comparison: Somerville vs Other Cities
See how Somerville's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somerville, MA | $69,899 | 148.5 | $47,070 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Monroe Township, NJ | $69,905 | 120.4 | $58,061 |
| Mansfield, TX | $69,886 | 98.5 | $70,950 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $69,929 | 146.2 | $47,831 |
| Chillum, MD | $69,869 | 104.3 | $66,988 |
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 Somerville
Somerville's cost of living index is 148.5 (national average = 100). Living in Somerville is 48.5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$750,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,041
Annual Rent Cost
$36,492
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $54,065 annual take-home pay in Somerville has the purchasing power of approximately $36,407 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $103,800 in Somerville to match a $69,899 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Somerville
Somerville's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $69,899.
Salary Tips for Somerville Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Somerville has a cost of living 48.5% 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. Somerville's top industries include Biotech, Education, Finance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $69,899 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 Somerville, MA?
The median salary in Somerville, MA is $69,899 per year, or $34 per hour. The average salary is $78,287. This is $10,515 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Somerville, MA?
Somerville's cost of living index is 148.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 48.5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $750,000 and the median monthly rent is $3,041.
What are the best industries in Somerville?
The top industries in Somerville, MA include Biotech, Education, Finance. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $69,899.
How does Somerville's salary compare to other cities?
Somerville's median salary of $69,899 is 17.7% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 148.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $47,070.
What is the minimum wage in Somerville, MA?
The minimum wage in Somerville, 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.