Software Developer salary in Boston, MA
Median pay, Boston metro
$166,090/year
about $79.85 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $131,880 – $183,740
Half of software developers in the Boston metro area earn more than $166,090 a year and half earn less. That's 22% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $102,950 | $49.50 |
| 25th | $131,880 | $63.40 |
| Median (50th) | $166,090 | $79.85 |
| 75th | $183,740 | $88.34 |
| 90th (top earners) | $214,100 | $102.93 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a software developer job in the Boston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $131,880 ($63.40/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $131,880 to $183,740 ($63.40 to $88.34/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $183,740 ($88.34/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Total pay at larger companies often includes stock and bonuses, so compare total compensation, not just salary.
- A fully remote role is usually priced against national pay, while on-site roles in big tech hubs tend to pay more.
- On-call rotations are common. Ask how often and whether they come with extra pay or time off.
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: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.