FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$164,244/yr
Typical range: $138,236 – $182,846
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in Boston
Accountant Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $62,859 | $5,238 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $81,108 | $6,759 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $94,626 | $7,886 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,957 | $9,496 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $164,244 | $13,687 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $223,453 | $18,621 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $238,255 | $19,855 | +279% |
Current Salary
$164,244
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $79/hr
Next Level Target
$223,453
Principal · 14
+$59Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Accountants in Boston, MA earn approximately $164K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $164K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $79/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Boston, MA earns $138K–$183K/yr.