ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$189,181/yr
Typical range: $172,697 – $208,517
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Boston
Climate Scientist 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 | $91,087 | $7,591 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $114,910 | $9,576 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,726 | $10,977 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,943 | $12,495 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $189,181 | $15,765 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $219,450 | $18,288 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $227,017 | $18,918 | +149% |
Current Salary
$189,181
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $91/hr
Next Level Target
$219,450
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in Boston, MA earn approximately $189K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $189K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $91/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Boston, MA earns $173K–$209K/yr.