GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$136,078/yr
Typical range: $129,762 – $146,541
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in Boston
Policy Analyst 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 | $88,450 | $7,371 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,790 | $8,316 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $108,862 | $9,072 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,934 | $9,828 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $136,078 | $11,340 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $152,407 | $12,701 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $156,489 | $13,041 | +77% |
Current Salary
$136,078
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $65/hr
Next Level Target
$152,407
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in Boston, MA earn approximately $136K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $136K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $65/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Boston, MA earns $130K–$147K/yr.