Lawyer Salary

Boston vs Stoughton: Lawyer Salary (2026)

Compare lawyer salaries between Boston, MA and Stoughton, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$191,967
$92.29/hr
Stoughton, MA
$123,269
$59.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAStoughton, MA
Median Salary$191,967$123,269
Hourly Rate$92.29$59.26
Entry Level (P10)$88,241$71,495
25th Percentile$134,717$88,753
75th Percentile$324,486$157,784
Top Earner (P90)$397,179$191,066
Total Employed20,0805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($191,967) and Stoughton ($123,269) lawyer salaries.BostonStoughtonMedian Salary$191,967$123,269Entry Level (P10)$88,241$71,495Top Earner (P90)$397,179$191,066US Median $167,174

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stoughton.

The salary gap between Boston and Stoughton is $68,698 (55.73%). 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,Stoughton spans $119,571. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$88,241
P25$134,717
Median$191,967
P75$324,486
P90 (Top)$397,179
Stoughton
P10 (Entry)$71,495
P25$88,753
Median$123,269
P75$157,784
P90 (Top)$191,066

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($177,311 effective) pays 56.07% more than Stoughton ($113,612 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $191,967
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $177,311
Stoughton
Nominal: $123,269
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $113,612

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 Stoughton 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 Stoughton over the same period.

Boston, MA

+22.5%

$149,660 (2019) → $183,350 (2025)

Stoughton, MA

+-37.7%

$189,025 (2024) → $117,735 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays lawyers more: Boston or Stoughton?

Boston has a higher median lawyer salary at $191,967/year, compared to Stoughton at $123,269/year — a difference of $68,698 (55.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Stoughton?

Boston lawyers earn $92.29/hr while Stoughton hygienists earn $59.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Stoughton as a lawyer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Stoughton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $177,311, Stoughton = $113,612), job availability (20,080 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level lawyers earn in Boston vs Stoughton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) lawyers earn $88,241 in Boston and $71,495 in Stoughton. The Boston area offers higher starting salaries.

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AC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Martinez, JDData verified by Priya Patel, JD

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