Retail Manager 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.
Retail Manager Salary in Boston — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Boston
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
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
Other Professions in Boston
Retail Manager Salary — Other Massachusetts Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Retail Manager make in Boston, MA?
The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Boston is $78,408 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Boston's cost of living index (162). The typical salary range runs from $58,450 (25th percentile) to $108,248 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $146,124.
Is Boston affordable for a Retail Manager?
On a $78,408 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Boston would spend approximately 42.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,750/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Retail Managers in Boston may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $680,000 is 8.7× the annual salary.
How does a Retail Manager's salary compare to Boston's overall income?
Boston's median household income is $89,400. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $78,408 earns 12.3% 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.
Explore More Salary Data
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.