- 1.Massachusetts tech salaries average $142,800, ranking 3rd nationally after California and Washington
- 2.Boston biotech roles command 35% premium over traditional tech positions, with average salaries of $156,400
- 3.Senior software engineers in Greater Boston earn $168,000 median, 18% above national average
- 4.Cambridge biotech corridor offers highest compensation at $174,200 average for tech roles
- 5.Massachusetts tech employment grew 12.4% in 2024, adding 28,000 new positions
Source: Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics
Massachusetts vs National Tech Salaries
How Bay State compensation compares to national averages across key tech roles
Software Engineer (MA)
Median Annual Salary
Software Engineer (US)
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist (MA)
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist (US)
Median Annual Salary
Product Manager (MA)
Median Annual Salary
Product Manager (US)
Median Annual Salary
Massachusetts Tech Employment
Strongest growth in biotech and AI sectors
Boston Biotech vs Traditional Tech Salaries
Premium compensation analysis for biotech-focused tech roles in Greater Boston
Biotech Software Engineer
Median Annual Salary
General Software Engineer
Median Annual Salary
Bioinformatics Specialist
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist
Median Annual Salary
Biotech Product Manager
Median Annual Salary
Tech Product Manager
Median Annual Salary
Massachusetts Tech Salaries by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Software Engineer | Data Scientist | Product Manager | DevOps Engineer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $89,200 | $96,400 | $108,600 | $92,800 |
| Mid Level (3-5 years) | $126,800 | $138,900 | $148,200 | $134,600 |
| Senior Level (6-10 years) | $168,400 | $189,200 | $198,400 | $178,900 |
| Staff/Principal (10+ years) | $218,600 | $246,800 | $264,200 | $228,400 |
Source: Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, AngelList 2025
Source: BioSpace Salary Survey 2025
Geographic Salary Variations Across Massachusetts
| Location | Avg Tech Salary | Cost of Living Index | Adjusted Salary | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | $174,200 | 164 | $106,200 | Moderna, Biogen, MIT |
| Boston | $158,400 | 158 | $100,300 | Vertex, HubSpot, Wayfair |
| Waltham | $149,800 | 142 | $105,500 | Raytheon, Bentley, Thermo Fisher |
| Worcester | $118,600 | 108 | $109,800 | UMass Medical, Polar, Mass Mutual |
| Springfield | $106,200 | 98 | $108,400 | MassMutual, Baystate Health |
Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Salary by Company Type and Size
| Company Category | Average Salary | Equity Value | Total Comp | Job Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Biotech (Moderna, Biogen) | $189,400 | $42,600 | $232,000 | High |
| Big Tech (Google, Microsoft) | $178,200 | $38,900 | $217,100 | High |
| Startups (Series A-C) | $134,600 | $28,400 | $163,000 | Medium |
| Healthcare Tech | $156,800 | $18,200 | $175,000 | High |
| Financial Services | $148,900 | $22,100 | $171,000 | High |
| Government/Public Sector | $98,400 | $0 | $98,400 | Very High |
Source: Comprehensive industry analysis from multiple sources
Software engineers who specialize in developing computational tools and systems for biological data analysis, particularly in genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Computational Biologist
- • Genomics Software Engineer
- • Clinical Bioinformatics Specialist
Technology professionals who design and maintain systems for collecting, processing, and analyzing clinical trial data in pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Clinical Data Analyst
- • Biostatistician
- • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Product managers who specialize in life sciences products, from medical devices to software platforms used in drug discovery and development.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Medical Device PM
- • Digital Health PM
- • Pharma Software PM
Massachusetts Biotech Funding
Record VC investment driving salary competition
Source: MassBio Employment Survey
Strategic Steps to Maximize Your Massachusetts Tech Salary
Target High-Growth Biotech Corridors
Focus job search on Cambridge-Boston biotech cluster where salaries average 22% higher than general tech roles. Companies like Moderna, Vertex, and emerging unicorns offer premium compensation.
Develop Cross-Functional Biotech Skills
Combine traditional tech skills with life sciences knowledge. Learn bioinformatics, clinical data standards (CDISC), or regulatory frameworks to access specialized roles with 35% salary premiums.
Leverage Massachusetts Tax Benefits
Take advantage of the state's R&D tax credits and biotech incentives that allow companies to offer competitive packages. Consider total compensation including equity and benefits.
Network Within the Innovation Economy
Engage with MassBio, Boston tech meetups, and university research partnerships. 67% of biotech hires come through professional networks rather than job boards.
Time Your Career Moves Strategically
Massachusetts tech hiring peaks in Q1 and Q3. Plan transitions to coincide with funding cycles and fiscal year planning for maximum negotiating leverage.
This comprehensive salary analysis draws from 15,000+ verified data points across Massachusetts tech sector, with specialized focus on biotech compensation patterns.
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
Save $1000 on Springboard Bootcamps
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund. Use our exclusive link to save $1000 on enrollment.
Programs for Tech careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
We may earn a commission when you use our affiliate link and coupon.
More Bootcamp Resources
Frequently Asked Questions: Massachusetts Tech Salaries
Related Career Resources
Data Sources and References
Occupational Employment Statistics for Massachusetts, including tech sector employment and wage data
Verified tech compensation data from 5,000+ Massachusetts tech professionals
Employee-reported salary data and company reviews for Massachusetts tech companies
Annual life sciences industry employment and funding analysis for Massachusetts
Specialized biotech and pharmaceutical industry compensation benchmarking
State employment statistics and economic analysis
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.