💻 Software Developer Salary
Software Developer Salary in Boston, MA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$154,840
in Boston · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$140,263
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#20
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Boston
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Boston, MA is $154,840 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $12,903/month or $74/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Boston pays 15% more than the typical city.
Boston has a cost of living index of 110.4 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $154,840 in Boston is equivalent to $140,263 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Boston metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| Rank | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Boston
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $115,710 |
| 📚Elementary School Teacher | $85,910 |
| ⚡Electrician | $83,410 |
| 📊Accountant | $103,570 |
Full cost of living profile for Boston
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Boston?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Boston, MA is $154,840 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Boston Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Boston Software Developer pay ($154,840) is 15% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Boston?
Yes. Boston has a cost of living index of 110.4 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $154,840 salary in Boston has the purchasing power of approximately $140,263 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology