Fundraiser Salary in Boston, MA
Fundraisers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn a median $80,340 a year — 11% more than the national median. After 2026 taxes, that is $61,552 take-home, or $5,129 a month.
Take-home pay calculator
Pre-filled with the median fundraiser salary in Boston, MA. Enter your own offer to see your paycheck.
- Federal income tax$8,845
- Social Security (6.2%)$4,981
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,165
- Massachusetts income tax$3,797
- Take-home pay$61,552
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 5.00% state
The Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro spans Massachusetts, New Hampshire. Pick the state you live in — state income tax follows your residence.
Got an offer somewhere else? Compare it with this one after taxes and rent →
Fundraiser pay by experience in Boston, MA
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home / yr | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $53,700 | $25.82 | $42,863 | $3,572 |
| 25th percentile | $61,960 | $29.79 | $49,087 | $4,091 |
| Median (50th) | $80,340 | $38.63 | $61,552 | $5,129 |
| 75th percentile | $103,420 | $49.72 | $76,635 | $6,386 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,380 | $63.16 | $94,715 | $7,893 |
Wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Take-home: single filer, Massachusetts resident, 2026 tax rules.
What $80,340 buys in Boston, MA
Prices in Boston, MA are 8.3% higher than the U.S. average (housing costs are 1.48× the national average). Adjusted for local prices, a median fundraiser's $61,552 take-home pay has the buying power of $56,853 in a typical American city.
Rents: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 (40th-percentile gross rent incl. utilities). Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Boston, MA has 2.4× the national concentration of fundraiser jobs — a strong local market for this occupation.
Best-paying cities for fundraisers, adjusted for cost of living
Boston, MA ranks #3 of 8 metro areas once taxes and local prices are taken into account.
| # | Metro area | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $80,920 | $65,757 | $59,170 |
| 2 | Philadelphia, PA | $74,370 | $58,866 | $57,400 |
| 3 | Boston, MA | $80,340 | $61,552 | $56,853 |
| 4 | Washington, DC | $80,610 | $61,656 | $56,625 |
| 5 | New York, NY | $82,180 | $62,803 | $55,794 |
| 6 | Chicago, IL | $72,550 | $56,422 | $54,464 |
| 7 | San Francisco, CA | $82,930 | $62,610 | $54,155 |
| 8 | Los Angeles, CA | $77,550 | $59,386 | $52,292 |
*Take-home pay divided by the BEA price level, so every city is measured in U.S.-average dollars. See all 8 metros →
About the job: fundraisers
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization’s work, goals, and financial needs.
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +5.5% (faster than average)
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fundraiser make in Boston, MA?
The median fundraiser salary in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area is $80,340 a year, or about $38.63 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The middle half earn between $61,960 and $103,420.
What is a fundraiser’s take-home pay in Boston, MA?
On the median $80,340 salary, a single filer living in Massachusetts takes home about $61,552 a year ($5,129 a month) after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare and $3,797 in Massachusetts taxes in 2026.
Is Boston, MA a good place to work as a fundraiser?
Pay here is 11% above the national median of $72,550. Local prices are 8.3% above the U.S. average, so the take-home pay buys what $56,853 would in a typical U.S. city. Boston, MA ranks #3 of 8 metro areas for cost-of-living-adjusted pay in this job.
Can a fundraiser afford rent in Boston, MA?
HUD’s fair market rent for a one-bedroom in Boston, MA is $2,276 a month ($2,762 for two bedrooms) — 44% of a median fundraiser’s monthly take-home pay. Financial planners usually suggest keeping rent under about 30%.
Related jobs in Boston, MA
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- Financial and Investment Analyst — $117,520
- Project Management Specialist — $114,990
- Compliance Officer — $103,940
- Loan Officer — $103,400
- Cost Estimator — $102,640
- Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist — $102,390
- Logistician — $101,540
- Accountant and Auditor — $100,150
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists — $99,150
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- Buyer and Purchasing Agent — $93,010