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.
$266,344/yr
Typical range: $226,310 – $278,279
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 | $122,374 | $10,198 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $151,168 | $12,597 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $170,364 | $14,197 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $197,238 | $16,437 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $266,344 | $22,195 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $334,009 | $27,834 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $350,926 | $29,244 | +187% |
Current Salary
$266,344
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$334,009
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 $266K 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 $266K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/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 $226K–$278K/yr.