Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
The median pay for a physical scientists, all other in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $141,980/year ($68.26/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $82K at the entry level to $197K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.27), so that salary is closer to $131,135 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,941/month — about 34.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $142K get you in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
About physical scientists, all others
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Entry-level physical scientists, all others (10th percentile) start around $82K. Mid-career wages sit at $142K.Top earners bring in $197K or more - a $115K spread from bottom to top.
Physical Scientists, All Other pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $167K | +42% | 600 |
| District of Columbia | $158K | +34% | 860 |
| Massachusetts | $144K | +22% | 520 |
| Maryland | $143K | +21% | 1,900 |
| North Dakota | $138K | +17% | N/A |
| Washington | $135K | +15% | 510 |
| South Carolina | $134K | +14% | 100 |
| Georgia | $132K | +12% | 1,040 |
| Alabama | $132K | +12% | 150 |
| California | $128K | +9% | 2,220 |
| Virginia | $128K | +9% | 1,560 |
| New Mexico | $127K | +8% | 240 |
| Florida | $123K | +4% | 390 |
| Arizona | $120K | +2% | 170 |
| Kansas | $115K | -3% | 130 |
Track physical scientists, all other salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Boston-Cambridge-Newton numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do physical scientists, all others make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median is $141,980 a year - that works out to about $68.26 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $81,950, and experienced physical scientists, all others can clear $196,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $142K enough to live in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,391/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,941/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 35% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a physical scientists, all other salary go in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton has a Regional Price Parity of 108.27 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median physical scientists, all other salary is worth about $131,135 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physical scientists, all others get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.