Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Los Angeles, CA

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

Boston, MA
$148,828
/ year
+4%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$143,229
/ 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
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$148,828✓ higher
$143,229
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$96,246✓ higher
$92,626
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$230,136✓ higher
$221,478
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$100,537✓ higher
$97,158
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$106,306✓ higher
$103,789
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.38×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$96,246✓ higher
$92,626
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$230,136✓ higher
$221,478

What if you move from Boston to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
$5,599
4% decrease
Take-home change
$3,379
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,517
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
Los Angeles, CA$143,229
P10: $92,626Median: $143,229P90: $221,478

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

Boston vs New YorkBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonBoston vs PhoenixBoston vs PhiladelphiaBoston vs San AntonioAll Network Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Boston or Los Angeles?

The median Network Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $148,828/yr compared to $143,229/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Boston pays 4% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Los Angeles 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 $103,789/yr for Los Angeles. Boston offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $100,537/yr, vs $97,158/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.