Salary & Cost of Living in Waltham, MA
Waltham, MA: $73,690 median salary, cost of living index 137, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$73,690
$35/hr
Cost of Living
137
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.4%
rate
Waltham, MA Overview
Population
63,490
Median Salary
$73,690
Average Salary
$82,533
Avg Commute
21 min
Median Home Price
$548,000
Median Rent
$2,224/mo
Job Growth
+2.8%
Sales Tax
6.25%
Waltham is located in Massachusetts with a population of 63,490. The median household salary is $73,690 per year ($35/hour), which is $14,306 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.8%.
Waltham Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Waltham, MA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $73,690 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 | $45,688 | $21.97/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $73,690 | $35.43/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $104,640 | $50.31/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $131,168 | $63.07/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.
Waltham Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Waltham, MA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$56,542
$4,711.87/month · $2,174.71/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.3%
Gross Pay
$73,690
Federal Tax
-$7,826
State Tax
-$3,685
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,637
Net Pay
$56,542
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,140.83 | $73,690.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$652.15 | -$7,825.80 |
| Massachusetts State Tax (5%) | -$307.04 | -$3,684.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$380.73 | -$4,568.78 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$89.04 | -$1,068.51 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,711.87 | $56,542.42 |
Salary Comparison: Waltham vs Other Cities
See how Waltham's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waltham, MA | $73,690 | 137 | $53,788 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Weymouth, MA | $73,675 | 137.5 | $53,582 |
| New Brunswick, NJ | $73,671 | 126.1 | $58,423 |
| Howell, NJ | $73,666 | 118.2 | $62,323 |
| Egg Harbor Township, NJ | $73,725 | 124 | $59,456 |
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 Waltham
Waltham's cost of living index is 137 (national average = 100). Living in Waltham is 37% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$548,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,224
Annual Rent Cost
$26,688
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $56,542 annual take-home pay in Waltham has the purchasing power of approximately $41,272 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $100,955 in Waltham to match a $73,690 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Waltham
Waltham's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $73,690.
Salary Tips for Waltham Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Waltham has a cost of living 37% 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. Waltham's top industries include Biotech, Education, Finance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $73,690 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 Waltham, MA?
The median salary in Waltham, MA is $73,690 per year, or $35 per hour. The average salary is $82,533. This is $14,306 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Waltham, MA?
Waltham's cost of living index is 137 (national average = 100), meaning it is 37% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $548,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,224.
What are the best industries in Waltham?
The top industries in Waltham, MA include Biotech, Education, Finance. The city has a job growth rate of 2.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $73,690.
How does Waltham's salary compare to other cities?
Waltham's median salary of $73,690 is 24.1% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 137), the real purchasing power is approximately $53,788.
What is the minimum wage in Waltham, MA?
The minimum wage in Waltham, 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.