Average Software Developers Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Software Developers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $154,840. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $145,320, reflecting the region's robust demand for skilled tech talent and its status as a hub for innovation and higher education.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $154,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,590.
- Outlook: The Boston-Cambridge-Newton area boasts a substantial workforce of 48,200 Software Developers, indicating a large and active market. With a Location Quotient of 1.66, this region is significantly more concentrated with Software Developers than the national average, signaling strong demand and a thriving ecosystem for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+6.6%above the national average.
$74.4
$2,978
$12,903
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in the dynamic Boston-Cambridge-Newton tech landscape have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing demand for specialized skills, technological advancements, and the competitive nature of the regional job market.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Salary progression for Software Developers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while senior developers with extensive experience and in-demand skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career progression pathways and opportunities for substantial income growth.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $99,840 | $48 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $116,130 | $55.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $154,240 | $74.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $193,550 | $93.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $208,590 | $100.3 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$154,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$154,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $154,840 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the region financially attractive for Software Developers seeking both high earnings and stable living expenses.
Job Market Context
48,200
Total Jobs
17.798
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has 1.7x the national concentration of Software Developers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.66 indicates that Software Developers are 66% more concentrated in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area than in the average U.S. metropolitan region. This high concentration suggests a robust and competitive job market, where employers actively seek out specialized talent, and professionals benefit from a rich network of opportunities and industry connections.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $146,960↓ 5% | 24 mi |
| Worcester, MA Software Developers Salary | $137,900↓ 11% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Software Developers Salary | $128,780↓ 17% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Software Developers Salary | $147,860↓ 5% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Software Developers Salary | $139,440↓ 10% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $154,840. This typically ranges from $99,840 for entry-level positions to $208,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 6.6% higher than the national median of $145,320.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Yes, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is a highly lucrative location for Software Developers.Software Developers here earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($146,960) and Worcester, MA.
How does the Software Developer salary in Boston compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Software Developers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $154,840, which is notably higher than the national average of $145,320.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Software Developers in Boston?
An LQ of 1.66 means that Software Developers are 66% more concentrated in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area than the national average, indicating a strong regional demand and a specialized job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the Software Developer salary in Boston?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $154,840 salary in Boston provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially sound location.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about the Software Developer job market in Boston?
A total local workforce of 48,200 Software Developers indicates a large and active market with substantial opportunities and a deep talent pool.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 48,200 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 17.798 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Software Developers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- All Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Management Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Browse All Jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH