In Boston, MA, Data Scientists earn a median of $145,640 a year - about 35% above the U.S. median of $108,000. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #4.
What that pay is worth in Boston
Local prices run 108 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $145,640 salary buys less than it looks - about $134,521 in national-average buying power.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in Boston?
A typical Boston home runs about $710,400 - 4.9 times the average Data Scientist salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,093/mo takes roughly 17% of gross pay - within the 30% comfort line.
The Data Scientist pay ladder in Boston
Entry-level (10th percentile) Data Scientists earn about $87,782; the top 10% reach $186,140 - a $98,358 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
Compare Boston with other cities
See the full Data Scientist salary by city ranking to weigh Boston against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Data Scientists make in Boston?
The average Data Scientist in Boston, MA earns about $145,640 per year, 34.9% above the national average of $108,000.
What is the take-home pay for Data Scientists in Boston after taxes?
After federal and MA taxes, this $145,640 salary is worth about $103,528 a year - roughly $8,627 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 29%.
What do the highest-paid Data Scientists earn in Boston?
The top 10% of Data Scientists in Boston earn about $186,140 a year, versus about $87,782 for the bottom 10%.
Can Data Scientists afford a home in Boston?
A typical Boston home runs about $710,400 - roughly 4.9x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.