Technology Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Data Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

The median data engineer salary in Massachusetts is $181,250 per year, which is 45.0% above the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$181,250
vs National
+$56,250
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Data Engineer Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for data engineers seeking high pay. At $181,250 per year, data engineers in Massachusetts earn $56,250 more than the national median of $125,000.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $181,250 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $134,259.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $113,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $275,500 — a $162,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $212,500.

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Massachusetts and beyond.

Data Engineer Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level data engineer earns around $116,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $261,000 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$116,000
+$36,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$184,150
+$57,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$261,000
+$81,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $113,100
25th Percentile $145,000
Median (50th) $181,250
75th Percentile $229,100
90th Percentile $275,500

Data Engineer Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for data engineers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Data Engineer in Massachusetts

Education

Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Massachusetts has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonSQLSparkAirflowAWS/GCPData Modeling

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Massachusetts's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Data Engineer make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median data engineer salary in Massachusetts is $181,250 per year, which is 45.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $113,100 (10th percentile) to $275,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Engineer make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $181,250, a data engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $87 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for data engineers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for data engineer pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level data engineers earn $116,000, while senior professionals earn $261,000.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for data engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data engineers is Hawaii at $206,250. Massachusetts's median of $181,250 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($206,250) and California ($191,250).
What is the entry-level data engineer salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level data engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $116,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $184,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $261,000.
What city in Massachusetts pays data engineers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for data engineers, with a median salary of $212,500. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.