Software Developers Salary in Boston, MA-NH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH

Median annual salary $154,240 +15.9% vs national
Median hourly $74.15
10th percentile $99,840
90th percentile $208,590
Employed locally 48,200
National median $133,080

Compare Software Developers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Boston, MA-NH stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Software Developers
in
Boston, MA-NH
vs

    In Boston, MA-NH, software developers earn a median annual salary of $154,240, which is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation at $133,080. When compared to local household incomes, with an area median of $112,484, the earnings of typical software developers are substantially above average. This disparity highlights the strong demand and value placed on skilled professionals in the tech industry within the region. The median hourly rate stands at $74.15, further underscoring the lucrative nature of this field in Boston compared to other parts of the country.

    Entry-level software developers in Boston typically earn around the 10th percentile mark, with salaries starting at approximately $99,840 annually. In contrast, experienced developers who have advanced skills and tenure can earn significantly more, reaching up to the 75th percentile with earnings of $172,970 per year or even higher at the 90th percentile with salaries approaching $208,590. This salary progression is driven by factors such as experience, specialized skill sets in high-demand technologies, leadership roles, and contributions to major projects. The demand for skilled developers in Boston's robust tech ecosystem amplifies these differentials, making it a highly competitive market where expertise can lead to considerable financial rewards.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $99,840
    25th
    $127,460
    50th (median)
    $154,240
    75th
    $172,970
    90th
    $208,590

    Boston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,484 2023 • Census ACS
    Software Developers salary vs area income 137% Median Software Developers salary is 37% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Software Developers make per hour in Boston?

    The median hourly wage for Software Developers in Boston, MA-NH is $74.15, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $102.93 or more per hour.

    Is Boston above or below average for Software Developers salaries?

    The median Software Developers salary in Boston, MA-NH is 15.9% above the national median of $133,080. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Software Developers in Boston?

    Entry-level Software Developers (10th percentile) earn around $99,840 per year in Boston, MA-NH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $127,460.