Software Developers Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
The median pay for a software developers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $154,240/year ($74.15/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $100K at the entry level to $209K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.27), so that salary is closer to $142,459 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,941/month — about 31.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $154K get you in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
About software developers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Entry-level software developers (10th percentile) start around $100K. Mid-career wages sit at $154K.Top earners bring in $209K or more - a $109K spread from bottom to top.
Software Developers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $171K | +28% | 292,630 |
| Washington | $167K | +25% | 91,470 |
| New York | $161K | +21% | 104,130 |
| Massachusetts | $151K | +13% | 54,260 |
| Maryland | $138K | +4% | 31,940 |
| District of Columbia | $136K | +2% | 8,250 |
| Oregon | $135K | +2% | 21,100 |
| Delaware | $135K | +2% | 3,850 |
| Virginia | $134K | +1% | 83,290 |
| New Hampshire | $132K | -0% | 8,010 |
| New Jersey | $132K | -1% | 57,120 |
| North Carolina | $131K | -2% | 57,590 |
| Connecticut | $131K | -2% | 16,490 |
| Vermont | $131K | -2% | N/A |
| Texas | $131K | -2% | 151,460 |
Track software developers 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 software developers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median is $154,240 a year - that works out to about $74.15 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $99,840, and experienced software developers can clear $208,590. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $154K enough to live in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,039/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,941/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 32.5% 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 software developers 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 software developers salary is worth about $142,459 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do software developers 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.