TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$261,282/yr
Typical range: $222,009 – $272,991
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Software 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 | $120,049 | $10,004 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,295 | $12,358 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $167,126 | $13,927 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $193,490 | $16,124 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $261,282 | $21,774 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $327,662 | $27,305 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $344,257 | $28,688 | +187% |
Current Salary
$261,282
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $126/hr
Next Level Target
$327,662
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $261K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $261K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $126/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Boston, MA earns $222K–$273K/yr.