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Legal Secretary Salary in Boston, MA β€” 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.

Legal Secretary Salary in Boston β€” Key Numbers

$84,240
Median Salary
$62,856
25th Percentile
$111,132
75th Percentile
$140,130
90th Percentile
National median (Legal Secretary)$52,000
vs. National median+62.0%
Boston median household income$89,400
vs. City household income-5.8%

Cost of Living in Boston

Cost of Living Index
162(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio39.2%
Annual rent cost$33,000
Median Home Price$680,000
Home Price / Salary8.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$136,000
Years to save (20% rate)8.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— 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.

Legal Secretary Salary β€” Other Massachusetts Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Legal Secretary make in Boston, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Legal Secretary in Boston is $84,240 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $52,000 adjusted by Boston's cost of living index (162). The typical salary range runs from $62,856 (25th percentile) to $111,132 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $140,130.

Is Boston affordable for a Legal Secretary?

On a $84,240 annual salary, a Legal Secretary in Boston would spend approximately 39.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,750/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Legal Secretarys in Boston may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $680,000 is 8.1Γ— the annual salary.

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

Boston's median household income is $89,400. A Legal Secretary earning the city-adjusted median of $84,240 earns 5.8% less than the typical Boston household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Boston has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.