TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$290,614/yr
Typical range: $246,932 – $303,638
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 | $133,525 | $11,127 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $164,943 | $13,745 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $185,888 | $15,491 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $215,212 | $17,934 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $290,614 | $24,218 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $364,446 | $30,371 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $382,904 | $31,909 | +187% |
Current Salary
$290,614
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $140/hr
Next Level Target
$364,446
Principal · 14
+$74Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $291K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $291K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $140/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Boston, MA earns $247K–$304K/yr.