Software Developer Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 48K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$165,210
$79.43/hr
vs National Average
$127,401
+29.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$103K – $214K
48K employed in Massachusetts
Software Developer salary in Massachusetts averages $160,000 per year, placing the state well above the national average at 22% higher compensation. With approximately 418 software developers employed throughout Massachusetts, the state represents a significant tech employment hub. Salaries in this market typically range up to $165,000 annually, reflecting the strong demand for skilled technical professionals in the region.
Several factors influence software developer salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, specific technical skills, company size, and industry sector. The concentration of major technology companies and startups in the Boston area creates competitive wage pressures that benefit developers. Additionally, cost of living adjustments and the region's established reputation as a tech center contribute to the higher compensation compared to most other states.
Salary Distribution — Software Developer in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,810 |
| 25th percentile | $131,370 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $165,210 |
| 75th percentile | $190,280 |
| 90th percentile | $213,970 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Developer in Massachusetts
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Massachusetts — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The MathWorks, Inc. | 107 | $154,606 |
| 2 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 80 | $155,700 |
| 3 | Wayfair LLC | 72 | $155,000 |
| 4 | State Street Bank and Trust Company | 50 | $137,688 |
| 5 | Amazon Development Center U.S., Inc. | 37 | $149,240 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Developer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Massachusetts
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Massachusetts.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $114,739 | 156 |
| Level II | Qualified | $137,500 | 523 |
| Level III | Experienced | $158,979 | 356 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $180,000 | 276 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Developer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Developers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Developers in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $166,400 | 347K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $147,010 | 18K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $139,270 | 810 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $136,610 | 3K |
| Manufacturing | $136,330 | 136K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Developer in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,330 |
| 2023 | $137,130 |
| 2024 | $150,520 |
| 2025 | $165,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $175,123 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,330 | $111,597 |
| 2023 | $137,130 | $118,750 |
| 2024 | $150,520 | $121,352 |
| 2025 | $165,210 | $127,401 |
| 2026 (projected) | $175,123 | $135,045 |
Software Developer Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $131,370 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $165,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $190,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,970 |
Software Developer Salary in Other States
Related Software Developer Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Software Developer ($165,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Developer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MA | $214,960 | +30.1% | $103.35/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in MA | $170,510 | +3.2% | $81.98/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in MA | $167,600 | +1.4% | $80.58/hr |
| Database Administrator in MA | $161,650 | -2.2% | $77.72/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MA | $155,060 | -6.1% | $74.55/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MA | $136,550 | -17.3% | $65.65/hr |
| Data Scientist in MA | $131,750 | -20.3% | $63.34/hr |
| Computer Programmer in MA | $128,390 | -22.3% | $61.73/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in MA | $128,240 | -22.4% | $61.65/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in MA | $113,540 | -31.3% | $54.59/hr |
| Network Administrator in MA | $110,980 | -32.8% | $53.36/hr |
| Software Engineer in MA | $109,590 | -33.7% | $52.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software developers make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for software developers in Massachusetts is $160,000 per year, or $77 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 22.5% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for software developers in Massachusetts?
- Software developer salaries in Massachusetts reach up to $165,000 per year at the upper end of the range. The median of $160,000 indicates strong compensation throughout the state's tech sector.
How does Massachusetts software developer pay compare to the national average?
- Massachusetts software developers earn 22.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $160,000 annually. This makes Massachusetts one of the most lucrative states for software development careers.
How many software developers are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 418 software developers currently employed in Massachusetts. This represents the total workforce count for this profession in the state.