Software Engineer Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 6K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$109,590
$52.69/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
+2.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $183K
6K employed in Massachusetts
Software Engineers in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $122,456 per year, positioning the state as a competitive hub for tech talent. This figure stands approximately 9 percent above the national average, reflecting the region's strong demand for software engineering expertise and the higher cost of living in areas like Boston and Cambridge.
Several factors influence software engineer compensation in Massachusetts, including years of experience, specialized technical skills, company size, and industry sector. The state's proximity to major tech companies, startups, and educational institutions creates a dynamic job market that can push salaries upward. Additionally, local economic conditions and the prevalence of high-growth industries like biotech and financial services contribute to the overall salary landscape for software professionals.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,740 |
| 25th percentile | $76,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,590 |
| 75th percentile | $153,900 |
| 90th percentile | $183,460 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Engineer 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. | 56 | $119,912 |
| 2 | State Street Bank and Trust Company | 10 | $131,337 |
| 3 | COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS US CORP | 7 | $119,912 |
| 4 | WIPRO LIMITED | 7 | $99,299 |
| 5 | Capgemini America Inc | 6 | $120,231 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Engineer 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 | $81,000 | 11 |
| Level II | Qualified | $99,840 | 96 |
| Level III | Experienced | $119,912 | 90 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $141,126 | 54 |
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 Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $111,640 |
| 2024 | $105,890 |
| 2025 | $109,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,419 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $111,640 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $105,890 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $109,590 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,419 | $110,398 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $153,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $183,460 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Software Engineer ($109,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MA | $214,960 | +96.1% | $103.35/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in MA | $170,510 | +55.6% | $81.98/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in MA | $167,600 | +52.9% | $80.58/hr |
| Software Developer in MA | $165,210 | +50.8% | $79.43/hr |
| Database Administrator in MA | $161,650 | +47.5% | $77.72/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MA | $155,060 | +41.5% | $74.55/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MA | $136,550 | +24.6% | $65.65/hr |
| Data Scientist in MA | $131,750 | +20.2% | $63.34/hr |
| Computer Programmer in MA | $128,390 | +17.2% | $61.73/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in MA | $128,240 | +17.0% | $61.65/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in MA | $113,540 | +3.6% | $54.59/hr |
| Network Administrator in MA | $110,980 | +1.3% | $53.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for software engineers in Massachusetts is $122,456 per year, or $59 per hour. This is 9.1% higher than the national average, making Massachusetts one of the more competitive markets for software engineering roles.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Massachusetts?
- Software engineers in Massachusetts earn up to $124,491 annually based on available salary data. The median of $122,456 is close to the upper range, indicating relatively consistent compensation levels across the state.
Is Massachusetts a good state for software engineer salaries?
- Yes, Massachusetts offers software engineer salaries that are 9.1% above the national average at $122,456 per year. This premium reflects the state's strong tech industry presence and high cost of living.
What do software engineers earn hourly in Massachusetts?
- Software engineers in Massachusetts earn a median of $59 per hour, which translates to the annual median salary of $122,456. This hourly rate is competitive compared to national standards for the profession.