TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$268,459/yr
Typical range: $228,107 – $280,489
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Data 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 | $123,346 | $10,279 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $152,368 | $12,697 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $171,717 | $14,310 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $198,805 | $16,567 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $268,459 | $22,372 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $336,662 | $28,055 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $353,712 | $29,476 | +187% |
Current Salary
$268,459
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $129/hr
Next Level Target
$336,662
Principal · 14
+$68Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $268K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $268K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $129/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Boston, MA earns $228K–$280K/yr.