NonprofitUpdated Q1 2025

Nonprofit Executive Director Salary
in Boston, MA

Lead nonprofit organizations to fulfill their mission through strategy, fundraising, and operations. Median salary in Boston: $100K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$100K
per year
Take-home: $65K

Salary range in Boston

Entry level (25th)$73,000
Median (50th)$100,000
Senior (75th)$139,000
Top earner (90th)$195,000

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

Key facts for Boston

Median salary
$100K
annual
Take-home pay
$65K
after fed/state tax
COL index
162
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,900
per month
YoY growth
+3.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Boston Nonprofit Executive Director to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $100K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Boston

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

HistoricalProjected
Nonprofit Executive Director salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$84K$91K$99K$106K$113K201920212023202520272029
2026
$102K
projected
2027
$105K
projected
2028
$108K
projected
2029
$110K
projected
2030
$113K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$100,000+$0
2028 projected$100,000+$0
2029 projected$100,000+$0
2030 projected$100,000+$0

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

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Nonprofit Executive Director Salary in Boston, Massachusetts: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Nonprofit Executive Director salary in Boston, MA is $100,000 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 Nonprofit Executive Director in Boston

Entry-level Nonprofit Executive Directors in Boston with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $73,000 and $100,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $100,000 to $139,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $139,000 to $195,000 or more.

Cost of living in Boston for Nonprofit Executive Directors

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 Nonprofit Executive Director

Bachelor's or Master's in Nonprofit Management or related. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Nonprofit Executive Director salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Boston (current)$100K162
Worcester120
Springfield105
Cambridge185
Lowell118