Computer Programmer salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Computer Programmers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn a median of $128,900 a year ($61.97 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,600 workers.
Pay ranges from $78,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $168,320 for the top 10%. That is 28% higher than the national median of $100,390. Pay here is about the same as the Massachusetts statewide median of $128,390. There are 0.59 computer programmers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $128,590, close to the median.
Pay range for computer programmers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $78,940 | $37.95 |
| 25th percentile | $102,290 | $49.18 |
| Median | $128,900 | $61.97 |
| 75th percentile | $142,650 | $68.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $168,320 | $80.92 |
| Average (mean) | $128,590 | $61.82 |
Half of computer programmers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,741.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,370.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,957.69 |
| Weekly | $2,478.85 |
| Hourly | $61.97 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Programmer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA | $119,010 | 90 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $97,300 | 290 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $68,090 | 50 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $62,810 | 210 |
Highest-paying states for computer programmers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $133,820 |
| Massachusetts | $128,390 |
| Washington | $125,620 |
| Maryland | $125,570 |
| Virginia | $121,610 |
| Hawaii | $118,180 |
| California | $116,760 |
| Arkansas | $111,840 |
| Minnesota | $107,250 |
| New Jersey | $104,940 |
See Computer Programmer pay in every state or the Massachusetts statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $79.85 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $62.11 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $77,850 | $37.43 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $116,770 | $56.14 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $122,210 | $58.76 |
| Computer Network Architect | $160,650 | $77.24 |
| Information Security Analyst | $136,550 | $65.65 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $121,230 | $58.29 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $122,270 | $58.79 |
| Database Architect | $161,650 | $77.72 |
| Database Administrator | $132,370 | $63.64 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $88,950 | $42.76 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $170,510 | $81.97 |
| Web Developer | $108,520 | $52.17 |
More: Computer and Mathematical Occupations · all salaries in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 15-1251. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer programmer make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median salary for computer programmers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area is $128,900 a year, or $61.97 an hour. Pay ranges from $78,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $168,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer programmers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The top 10% of computer programmers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn at least $168,320 a year. The top 25% earn $142,650 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer programmers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $78,940 a year, and a quarter of computer programmers earn $102,290 or less.
How many computer programmers work in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
About 1,600 computer programmers are employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, not counting the self-employed.