EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Systems Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$175,732/yr
Typical range: $199,919 – $239,921
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Systems 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 | $114,324 | $9,527 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $138,822 | $11,569 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $155,154 | $12,930 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $175,732 | $14,644 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $225,382 | $18,782 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $264,578 | $22,048 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $274,378 | $22,865 | +140% |
Current Salary
$175,732
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$225,382
Staff · 10
+$50Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Systems Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Senior Systems Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $176K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Systems Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $176K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Systems Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Boston, MA earns $200K–$240K/yr.