Salary Comparison

Network Engineer Salary:
Boston, MA vs Washington DC, DC

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

Boston, MA
$148,828
/ year
-3%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$152,767
/ year
Bottom line: Washington DC wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$148,828
$152,767✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$96,246
$98,794✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$230,136
$236,227✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$100,537
$102,914✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$106,306
$107,582✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$96,246
$98,794✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$230,136
$236,227✓ higher

What if you move from Boston to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
+$3,939
3% increase
Take-home change
+$2,377
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,276
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
Washington DC, DC$152,767
P10: $98,794Median: $152,767P90: $236,227

More Network Engineer salary comparisons

Boston vs New YorkBoston vs Los AngelesBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonBoston vs PhoenixBoston vs PhiladelphiaAll Network Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Network Engineer earn more in Boston or Washington DC?

The median Network Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $148,828/yr compared to $152,767/yr in Washington DC, DC. Washington DC pays 3% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Network Engineer salary worth more in Boston or Washington DC 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 $107,582/yr for Washington DC. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Network Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $100,537/yr, vs $102,914/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.