What the numbers say
About 48,200 Software Developers work in the Boston metro, one of the larger concentrations of the role in the country. Their median annual wage came in at $154,240 in 2024, roughly 2.5% above the Massachusetts median of $150,520 and about 11% above the US figure of $138,520.
The mean sits nearly level with the median at $154,840. That narrow gap between the two tells us senior engineers in Boston are not pulling the average dramatically upward the way they do in some other major tech metros. The distribution here is relatively even across experience levels.
The spread from bottom to top is still wide. Developers at the 10th percentile earned $99,840, while those at the 90th earned $208,590. Top earners here make a little over twice what the lowest-paid peers do, about the same ratio we see nationally for this occupation.
Boston sits close to but slightly above the Massachusetts median, which is itself well above the national figure. That cluster tells us the state's tech wages are concentrated in and around the metro rather than spread across regions with sharply different pay levels.
Salary distribution
Where Boston software developers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $131,880 and $183,740, with a median of $166,090.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Software Developers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Software Developers in Boston, Massachusetts?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the Boston metropolitan area is $166,090.
- Does Boston pay more than the Massachusetts state average for Software Developers?
- The Boston metro median is +0.5% versus the Massachusetts state median of $165,210.
- How does Boston compare to the national median for Software Developers?
- The Boston metro median is +16.2% versus the BLS national figure of $142,947.
- What is the salary range for Software Developers in Boston?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $102,950 and the 90th-percentile at $214,100 for the Boston metro area.
- What education is required for Software Developers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Boston CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.