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Military Enlisted 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.

Military Enlisted Salary in Boston β€” Key Numbers

$66,420
Median Salary
$47,790
25th Percentile
$92,016
75th Percentile
$119,880
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+62.0%
Boston median household income$89,400
vs. City household income-25.7%

Cost of Living in Boston

Cost of Living Index
162(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio49.7%
Annual rent cost$33,000
Median Home Price$680,000
Home Price / Salary10.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$136,000
Years to save (20% rate)10.2 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.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Massachusetts Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Boston, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Boston is $66,420 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Boston's cost of living index (162). The typical salary range runs from $47,790 (25th percentile) to $92,016 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $119,880.

Is Boston affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $66,420 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Boston would spend approximately 49.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,750/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Boston may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $680,000 is 10.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Boston's median household income is $89,400. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $66,420 earns 25.7% 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.