Salary Comparison

Software 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
$202,539
/ year
-5%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$212,359
/ 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
$202,539
$212,359✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$130,981
$137,332✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$313,191
$328,376✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$135,548
$142,226✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$144,671
$149,549✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$130,981
$137,332✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$313,191
$328,376✓ higher

What if you move from Boston to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
+$9,820
5% increase
Take-home change
+$6,678
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,878
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$202,539
P10: $130,981Median: $202,539P90: $313,191
Washington DC, DC$212,359
P10: $137,332Median: $212,359P90: $328,376

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Software Engineer salary in Boston, MA is $202,539/yr compared to $212,359/yr in Washington DC, DC. Washington DC pays 5% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Software 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 $144,671/yr in a median-cost city, vs $149,549/yr for Washington DC. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Software Engineer in Boston, MA takes home approximately $135,548/yr, vs $142,226/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.