How does a Lawyer's salary in Boston compare to the rest of Massachusetts?

Boston's cost of living index is 162 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $236,131 earns $146,731 more than the median household income in Boston ($89,400).

Lawyer Salary in Boston, MA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Boston's cost of living (index: 162). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Lawyer Salary in Boston — Key Numbers

$236,131

Median Salary

$154,289

25th Percentile

$366,509

75th Percentile

$567,000

90th Percentile

National median (Lawyer)$145,760

vs. National median+62.0%

Boston median household income$89,400

vs. City household income+164.1%

Cost of Living in Boston

Cost of Living Index

162(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$2,750/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio14.0%

Annual rent cost$33,000

Median Home Price$680,000

Home Price / Salary2.9×

20% Down Payment$136,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Boston

3.3%

Unemployment Rate

4,920,000

Metro Population

32 min

Avg Commute

32.6

Median Age

Boston has a metro population of 4,920,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Boston

💰

Take-Home Pay Calculator

See your net pay on $236,131/yr

⏱️

Salary to Hourly

Convert $236,131/yr to hourly rate

🏙️

Cost of Living — Boston

Compare Boston to other cities

🏠

Rent vs. Buy in Boston

Is buying worth it on your salary?

📊

Budget Planner

Plan your budget in Boston

🗺️

Lawyer Salary in Massachusetts

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Boston

Physician$371,466 Chief Executive Officer$340,200 Dentist$284,326 IT Manager$274,606 Marketing Manager$255,344 HR Manager$220,887

Lawyer Salary — Other Massachusetts Cities

Worcester, MA$169,082 Springfield, MA$142,845

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Boston, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Lawyer in Boston is $236,131 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $145,760 adjusted by Boston's cost of living index (162). The typical salary range runs from $154,289 (25th percentile) to $366,509 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $567,000.

Is Boston affordable for a Lawyer?

On a $236,131 annual salary, a Lawyer in Boston would spend approximately 14.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Boston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $680,000 is 2.9× the annual salary.

How does a Lawyer's salary compare to Boston's overall income?

Boston's median household income is $89,400. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $236,131 earns 164.1% more than the typical Boston household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Lawyer — National Lawyer in Massachusetts All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.