FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountant Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$208,753/yr
Typical range: $175,698 – $232,397
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in Boston
Certified Public 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 | $79,893 | $6,658 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,088 | $8,591 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,269 | $10,022 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $144,839 | $12,070 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $208,753 | $17,396 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $284,007 | $23,667 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $302,821 | $25,235 | +279% |
Current Salary
$208,753
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $100/hr
Next Level Target
$284,007
Principal · 14
+$75Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Certified Public Accountant salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountants in Boston, MA earn approximately $209K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $209K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $100/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Certified Public Accountant in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in Boston, MA earns $176K–$232K/yr.