Whether Boston stirs in your thoughts the American Revolution or the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, there’s no denying a shift in the city’s employment space in the recent decade.
A new revolution powered by algorithms, cutting-edge robotics, data, and cloud architecture, Boston has transformed into a thriving tech hub, driven by its powerhouse universities and supportive ecosystem for startups.
In fact, here’s a quick fact… tech jobs in Boston currently account for more than 15% of the city’s employment market. It’s a city where tech junkies can turn their passions into paychecks.
So, if you’re a tech-driven professional considering moving to Boston’s tech hub, you might be onto something!
Don’t know where to start?
Let’s guide you on everything you need to know to plug into this thriving tech ecosystem.
Is Boston Really a Top Dog in the Tech Industry?
Moving to Boston’s tech hub may evoke mixed feelings, considering that its top employment industries are healthcare, education, and finance.
What, then, makes Boston such a hotbed for technology?
As a combination of academia, industry, and investment, the city churns out some of the world’s top innovators.
The tech and tech solutions brewed here should come as no surprise — in fact, Boston has over 11,900 tech companies. However, the major driver of this industry in Boston is its interdisciplinary collaboration.
From sticking to traditional tech roles, Boston tries to integrate technology with other industries, such as healthcare and finance.
But that’s not all!
Billions of dollars have been funneled into startups and research annually, marking a clear reason why Boston continues to climb the ranks of the world’s most vibrant tech hubs.
The Tech Jobs Landscape in Boston
As mentioned earlier, the tech jobs in Boston are mostly interdisciplinary — Edtech, Healthtech, and Fintech.
But, of course, this is not to say that traditional tech roles like UI/UX design, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are bygones.
The truth is Boston’s job market thrives on specialization, and niched-down job roles are more likely to secure a job with ease and a high-paying one.
Before you hit up those Boston movers as your chauffeur into the city, here are some of the tech sectors that deserve your attention:
- Healthtech
Accounting for 18% of employment in Boston!
With over 300 healthcare companies and numerous biotech firms pioneering drug development, job opportunities are abundant in pharmaceuticals.
Companies such as Takeda and Novartis are notable mentions that lead the charge, among many others in this industry.
- Edtech
Education meets technology here in refreshing ways.
Boston’s proximity to renowned institutions such as Harvard and MIT influences its job landscape, especially in education.
Besides boasting a high percentage of the best-educated residents, education reforms and Edtech companies such as edX and Evertrue find the city a fertile breeding ground for innovative, educative technology.
- Fintech
Perhaps one of the most accessible integrations of technology in everyday life is in finance.
Boston sure does not slack in this department. The city’s rich financial history continues with over 350 fintech startups, and growth accelerates yearly.
The Boston tech startups thrive largely due to collaborations between them and established firms like Bank of America and Fidelity Investments.
- Robotics
Boston’s robotics sector is notably one of the most advanced in the world, thanks to companies like Boston Dynamics, iRobot, and Vecna Robotics.
Interestingly, the city is home to 59 robotics companies. With Boston’s love affair with cutting-edge technology, you will have a job no matter your niche.
Top Companies and Startups: Titans and Trailblazers
Boston’s tech ecosystem includes big names and bold newcomers. In fact, many of the top tech companies in Massachusetts have bases in the city.
For those who thrive in large-scale environments, companies like Amazon Robotics and Thermo Fisher Scientific offer the chance to work on projects that impact millions.
HubSpot (although based in Cambridge, which is less than 15 minutes away from Boston) provides an innovative workspace for those interested in marketing and sales software.
But if startups excite you more than corporate giants, you will also feel right at home in Boston!
Take Drift, for example, which is revolutionizing conversational marketing. Bevi, a sustainable water startup, is making waves in offices across the country.
Other companies and startups include:
- Tulip
- Novo Nordisk
- Benchling
- Klaviyo
- Gusto
Boston’s Tech Hotspots
Moving to Boston’s tech hub doesn’t mean you will be confined to one corner. It’s sort of even-highly distributed across the neighborhoods.
- The Seaport District, affectionately known as the Innovation District, is where sleek modern offices meet the waterfront. It’s a haven for tech companies, with networking events as sure as night and day.
- Over in Kendall Square, you will find startups, research labs, and global tech firms.
- For a more grassroots tech vibe, head to Downtown Crossing, where small startups thrive in co-working spaces that buzz with creativity.
- If you prefer more suburban convenience, route 128, Boston’s “Technology Highway,” hosts major players in a quieter and family-friendly environment.
Living Among Innovators: Tech-Savvy Neighborhoods in Boston
Being a tech-savvy pro looking to move to Boston tech hub, you are probably looking for a neighborhood that offers more than just a place to sleep.
The goal is to move to a neighborhood that allows you to enjoy the comforts of a regular life while offering the best tech jobs.
You also want to live in a community that is intentional about growth in tech careers—inspiring in its innovations and supportive of the lifestyle.
Here are some of the neighborhoods in Boston you should fix your gaze on:
- Back Bay — Tech-forward neighborhood with easy access to office spaces and upscale amenities
- Somerville — Co-working spaces and networking opportunities
- Watertown — Quickly gaining traction as a biotech and innovation hub with a mix of startups and established companies.
- East Cambridge — Home to numerous tech giants and startups, offering a dynamic environment for professionals.
- Jamaica Plain — A diverse and progressive community that attracts eco-conscious tech workers and entrepreneurs.
- Beacon Hill — This historic neighborhood is favored by tech leaders who appreciate its charm and proximity to Boston’s tech epicenters.
The Financial Side: Does It Pay to Work in Boston?
Is moving to the Boston tech hub financially rewarding? Yes, it is.
Boston consistently ranks as one of the top-paying cities for tech professionals.
Software engineers earn between $80,000 and $138,000 annually as a base salary. This jumps to about $102,000 to $162,000 for senior software engineers. Meanwhile, robotics engineers and data scientists often see salaries well above $125,000.
Although the cost of living in Boston can be steep, the city’s competitive pay scales and benefits packages make up for it.
Bottom Line — Into Boston’s Tech Space
Moving to Boston’s tech hub as a professional in the field is one way to advance your career.
Boston’s tech ecosystem is not slowing down but rather gaining momentum. Areas like quantum computing and cloud computing architects are gradually taking root.
These fields are attracting global talents, thinkers, and doers in the industry to the city. So, by relocating to Boston, you don’t just give your career a push or earn high incomes, but you also immerse yourself in a community of tech shakers and movers.
What this unique advantage can do for your tech career and life will be transformative.
