Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Atlanta, GA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Boston, MA
$148,828
/ year
+39%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$107,312
/ year
Bottom line: Boston wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$148,828✓ higher
$107,312
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$96,246✓ higher
$69,398
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$230,136✓ higher
$165,939
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$100,537✓ higher
$75,482
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$106,306✓ higher
$102,202
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$96,246✓ higher
$69,398
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$230,136✓ higher
$165,939

What if you move from Boston to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$41,516
39% decrease
Take-home change
$25,055
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$4,104
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Boston, MA$148,828
P10: $96,246Median: $148,828P90: $230,136
Atlanta, GA$107,312
P10: $69,398Median: $107,312P90: $165,939

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Boston or Atlanta?

The median Network Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $148,828/yr compared to $107,312/yr in Atlanta, GA. Boston pays 39% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $106,306/yr in a median-cost city, vs $102,202/yr for Atlanta. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Network Engineer in Boston vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $100,537/yr, vs $75,482/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.