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.
$299,758/yr
Typical range: $254,702 – $313,191
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 | $137,727 | $11,477 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $170,133 | $14,178 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $191,737 | $15,978 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $221,983 | $18,499 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $299,758 | $24,980 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $375,912 | $31,326 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $394,951 | $32,913 | +187% |
Current Salary
$299,758
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $144/hr
Next Level Target
$375,912
Principal · 14
+$76Kpotential 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 $300K 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 $300K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $144/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 $255K–$313K/yr.