Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Recruiter Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,866/yr
Typical range: $145,311 – $177,597
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Recruiter salary by experience level in Boston
Recruiter 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 | $79,106 | $6,592 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,720 | $8,143 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $110,129 | $9,177 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $125,640 | $10,470 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,866 | $13,572 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $198,231 | $16,519 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,073 | $17,256 | +162% |
Current Salary
$162,866
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$198,231
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
39/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Recruiter salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Recruiters in Boston, MA earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Recruiter make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Recruiter in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Recruiter in Boston, MA earns $145K–$178K/yr.