TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Network Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$220,265/yr
Typical range: $187,158 – $230,136
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Network Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Network 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 | $101,203 | $8,434 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,016 | $10,418 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,891 | $11,741 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $163,115 | $13,593 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $220,265 | $18,355 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $276,225 | $23,019 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $290,215 | $24,185 | +187% |
Current Salary
$220,265
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$276,225
Principal · 14
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Network Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Network Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $220K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Network Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $220K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Network Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Network Engineer in Boston, MA earns $187K–$230K/yr.