Arlington vs Boston: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Arlington, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,857 | $191,967▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.99 | $92.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,577 | $88,241▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,337 | $134,717▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,376 | $324,486▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,628 | $397,179▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 20,080▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Boston is $65,110 (51.33%). Boston's median is +14.83% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $123,051,Boston spans $308,938. Boston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($177,311 effective) pays 51.65% more than Arlington ($116,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($191,967/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($397,179)
- ✓Larger job market (20,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,311)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Arlington grew -37.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Boston over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$194,526 (2024) → $121,162 (2025)
Boston, MA
$149,660 (2019) → $183,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Arlington or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Boston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Boston as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Arlington vs Boston?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov