Accountant salary in Boston, MA
Median pay, Boston metro
$100,150/year
about $48.15 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $79,990 – $129,490
Half of accountants in the Boston metro area earn more than $100,150 a year and half earn less. That's 20% higher than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $72,450 | $34.83 |
| 25th | $79,990 | $38.46 |
| Median (50th) | $100,150 | $48.15 |
| 75th | $129,490 | $62.25 |
| 90th (top earners) | $161,450 | $77.62 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the Boston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $79,990 ($38.46/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $79,990 to $129,490 ($38.46 to $62.25/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $129,490 ($62.25/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Boston metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.