EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$241,419/yr
Typical range: $214,144 – $256,993
P90 · 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 | $122,459 | $10,205 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,700 | $12,392 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,194 | $13,850 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,237 | $15,686 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $241,419 | $20,118 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $283,404 | $23,617 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $293,901 | $24,492 | +140% |
Current Salary
$241,419
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $116/hr
Next Level Target
$283,404
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $241K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $241K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $116/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $214K–$257K/yr.