Software Developer Salary in Boston: Is It Worth It?
The median software developer salary in Boston is $166K a year. Here is what actually lands in your pocket after taxes - and what it's really worth once you account for the local cost of living.
Where the money goes
| Item | Amount / year | Share of gross |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | $166,090 | 100% |
| Federal income tax (2026, single) | −$28,596 | 17.2% |
| FICA (Social Security + Medicare) | −$12,706 | 7.7% |
| State income tax (Massachusetts) | −$8,085 | 4.9% |
| Take-home | $116,703 | 70.3% |
Estimates use single filing status, standard deduction, wages-only income. Full assumptions on the methodology page.
Compare with other metros
Atlanta
Chicago
Dallas
Detroit
Houston
Los Angeles
Typical costs to know
Massachusetts taxes wage income, and Boston's cost of living is 8% above the U.S. average. In dollar terms,$166K of gross salary converts to roughly $108K of buying power after tax.
FAQ
What is the average software developer salary in Boston?
The median annual wage is $166,090, per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
How much do software developers take home in Boston?
After estimated federal income tax ($28,596), FICA ($12,706) and Massachusetts state tax ($8,085), net income is about $116,703 a year - roughly $10K per month.
Is $166K a good salary in Boston?
Because the local cost of living is 8% above the U.S. average, that salary supports buying power roughly equivalent to $108K at the national average. See the methodology for the math.