Accountant Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $49.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Boston, MA runs $49.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,660 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For accountants in Boston, the projected hourly median pay in 2026 is $49.41, a figure that notably surpasses the national median of $41.28. This substantial difference in compensation reflects the city's thriving financial sector and higher demand for skilled professionals. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week, or 24 hours—this hourly rate translates into a robust income, making the profession appealing for both experienced and new accountants. The hourly range for accountants in Boston stretches from $35.74 at the low end to an impressive $79.65 at the high end, accommodating entry-level positions while providing substantial earning potential for seasoned professionals in various settings, including public firms, corporate finance offices, and remote engagements during peak tax season. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projected to 2026.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.74 | $285.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.46 | $315.71 |
| Median (P50) | $49.41 | $395.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.87 | $511.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.65 | $637.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $49.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.41/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $102,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,288. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,976.27 | $8,564 | $102,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.76 | $5,138 | $61,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.51 | $3,426 | $41,106 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Boston) | $49.41 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Boston, MA earn a median of $102,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.68% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 7.60% above the Massachusetts state average of $95,505.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.41/hr = $61,660/year (purchasing power: $56,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,766/year (purchasing power: $94,920).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Boston grew 28.6% from $37.44/hr (2019) to $48.15/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Boston
A 3-day workweek for accountants could yield an annual take-home significantly different from full-time working conditions, creating diverse employment opportunities. Per-diem accountants often enjoy flexible arrangements while earning between $50 and $95 per hour, especially during peak seasons or specific project engagements. Individuals with experience at Big 4 firms might command hourly rates of $80 to $130 for seasonal work, while specialists like forensic accountants can earn rates up to $600 per hour when acting as expert witnesses. Moreover, hourly rates vary depending on the employer type in Boston, with Big 4 public accounting firms typically offering competitive compensation compared to regional CPA firms or government roles. Some accountants opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher rates available in contract-based work. Understanding these dynamics can enhance negotiation strategies, allowing accountants to pursue the best compensation package that aligns with their career goals while capitalizing on the robust accountant hourly pay landscape in Boston.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov