H-1B Software Engineer Salary in Massachusetts (2024)
Prevailing wages, top employers, and LCA data for H-1B software engineers in Massachusetts.
Key Notes for Massachusetts
University Pipeline
MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, and BU generate substantial OPT-to-H-1B pipelines in Massachusetts. Many H-1B SWE petitions originate from student OPT conversions.
Biotech + SWE Crossover
Massachusetts has heavy demand for software engineers at biotech companies (Biogen, Moderna, Vertex). These employers often file H-1B for SWE roles at biotech wage premiums.
Defense Sector
Raytheon and MIT Lincoln Laboratory are cap-exempt for Lincoln Lab roles. Defense clearance-eligible H-1B holders are in high demand.
State Income Tax
Massachusetts has a flat 5% state income tax (5.9% on income >$1M). Notably lower than California but higher than Texas/Washington.
Top H-1B Employers
- Amazon Boston
- Microsoft New England
- Google Cambridge
- Wayfair
- HubSpot
- Biogen
- Raytheon
- MIT Lincoln Lab
- Fidelity
- Liberty Mutual
Top Cities in Massachusetts
- Boston
- Cambridge
- Waltham
- Burlington
- Marlborough
- Woburn
- Lowell
- Springfield
- Worcester
- Andover
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prevailing wage for H-1B software engineers in Massachusetts?
DOL prevailing wages for SWE (SOC 15-1252) in Boston MSA range from ~$92K (Level I) to ~$168K (Level IV). Median LCA wage is approximately $135,000.
Is Massachusetts a good state for H-1B software engineers?
Yes, particularly for engineers coming out of Boston-area universities on OPT, or those targeting biotech/pharma crossover roles. The tech market is smaller than Bay Area or Seattle but concentrated with strong employers.
Are there cap-exempt H-1B options in Massachusetts?
Yes. MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Harvard, MIT, and several affiliated research institutions are cap-exempt. This is a viable path for those who miss the lottery.
How does Massachusetts compare to New York for H-1B SWEs?
Massachusetts has lower LCA counts but a stronger biotech sector. New York has higher employer diversity (finance, media, tech). Wages are comparable; NY state taxes are higher.
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