Salary Comparison

Solutions Architect Salary:
Boston, MA vs Philadelphia, PA

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

Boston, MA
$239,383
/ year
+27%
difference
Philadelphia, PA
$188,682
/ year
Bottom line: Philadelphia offers better purchasing power despite Boston paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
Philadelphia
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$239,383✓ higher
$188,682
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$154,808✓ higher
$122,020
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$370,163✓ higher
$291,763
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$160,358✓ higher
$126,125
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$170,988
$174,706✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.08×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$154,808✓ higher
$122,020
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$370,163✓ higher
$291,763

What if you move from Boston to Philadelphia?

Gross salary change
$50,701
27% decrease
Take-home change
$34,233
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,718
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$239,383
P10: $154,808Median: $239,383P90: $370,163
Philadelphia, PA$188,682
P10: $122,020Median: $188,682P90: $291,763

More Solutions Architect salary comparisons

Boston vs New YorkBoston vs Los AngelesBoston vs ChicagoBoston vs HoustonBoston vs PhoenixBoston vs San AntonioAll Solutions Architect salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Solutions Architect earn more in Boston or Philadelphia?

The median Solutions Architect salary in Boston, MA is $239,383/yr compared to $188,682/yr in Philadelphia, PA. Boston pays 27% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Solutions Architect salary worth more in Boston or Philadelphia after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $170,988/yr in a median-cost city, vs $174,706/yr for Philadelphia. Philadelphia offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Solutions Architect in Boston vs Philadelphia?

After estimated taxes, a Solutions Architect in Boston, MA takes home approximately $160,358/yr, vs $126,125/yr in Philadelphia, PA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.