LegalUpdated Q1 2025

Attorney Salary
in Boston, MA

Advise clients on legal matters and represent them in negotiations, transactions, and court. Median salary in Boston: $166K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$166K
per year
Take-home: $108K

Salary range in Boston

Entry level (25th)$101,000
Median (50th)$166,000
Senior (75th)$270,000
Top earner (90th)$455,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Boston, Massachusetts.

Key facts for Boston

Median salary
$166K
annual
Take-home pay
$108K
after fed/state tax
COL index
162
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,900
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Boston Attorney to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $166K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Boston

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Attorney salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$139K$151K$164K$176K$188K201920212023202520272029
2026
$170K
projected
2027
$174K
projected
2028
$179K
projected
2029
$183K
projected
2030
$188K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$166,000+$0
2028 projected$166,000+$0
2029 projected$166,000+$0
2030 projected$166,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Attorney Salary in Boston, Massachusetts: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Attorney salary in Boston, MA is $166,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Boston–MA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Attorney in Boston

Entry-level Attorneys in Boston with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $101,000 and $166,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $166,000 to $270,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $270,000 to $455,000 or more.

Cost of living in Boston for Attorneys

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 compared to the US national average of 100. Boston's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Massachusetts has a 5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Attorney

Juris Doctor (JD); state bar admission. 38% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Attorney salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Boston (current)$166K162
Worcester120
Springfield105
Cambridge185
Lowell118