Business & Finance Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Human Resources Manager Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median human resources manager salary in Boston, MA is $206,700 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$206,700
vs State Avg
+$22,100
vs National
+$76,700
Cost of Living
152%

Human Resources Manager Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median human resources manager salary of $206,700, which is $22,100 above the Massachusetts state average of $184,600. Compared to the national median of $130,000, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $206,700 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $135,987. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for human resources managers in Boston spans from $124,338 at the 10th percentile to $330,720 at the 90th percentile — a $206,382 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,350, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $262,350. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $103,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $262,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,350
+$38,350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$166,950
+$61,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$262,350
+$97,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $124,338
25th Percentile $160,590
Median (50th) $206,700
75th Percentile $265,530
90th Percentile $330,720

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$217,100
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$152,100
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$145,600
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$136,500
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Boston

Education

Most human resources manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Human Resources Manager Jobs in Boston

Browse open human resources manager positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Boston

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $206,700 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $124,338 (10th percentile) to $330,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $206,700, a human resources manager in Boston earns approximately $99 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
Boston's median human resources manager salary of $206,700 is 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average of $184,600. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a human resources manager salary of $206,700 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in Boston? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in Boston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.