Boston vs Malden: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Boston, MA and Malden, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Malden, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $191,967▲ | $129,186 |
| Hourly Rate | $92.29▲ | $62.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,241▲ | $74,928 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,717▲ | $93,014 |
| 75th Percentile | $324,486▲ | $165,358 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $397,179▲ | $200,239 |
| Total Employed | 20,080▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Malden.
The salary gap between Boston and Malden is $62,781 (48.60%). 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 Boston spans $308,938,Malden spans $125,311. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($177,311 effective) pays 48.92% more than Malden ($119,065 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Malden if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Boston grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -37.7% growth in Malden over the same period.
Boston, MA
$149,660 (2019) → $183,350 (2025)
Malden, MA
$198,099 (2024) → $123,387 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Malden, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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