Software Developer in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

If you're a Software Developer eyeing Quincy, the paycheck is the first thing to check. Quincy offers a solid salary premium over the national average, but the real story is in the details. The median salary for a Software Developer in the Quincy metro area is $131,688/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.31/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $127,260/year, putting Quincy in a competitive position for tech talent, especially for a city of its size (metro population: 101,607).

The job market is active but not sprawling, with approximately 609 job openings in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for Software Developers is 17%, which is strong and indicates sustained demand, largely driven by the broader Boston metro tech scene, where Quincy serves as a vital, more affordable suburban hub.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Quincy area:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Quincy Metro)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Junior Developer, Associate Software Engineer	$95,000 - $115,000
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	Software Developer, Software Engineer	$120,000 - $145,000
Senior-Level (6-10 yrs)	Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead	$145,000 - $170,000
Expert/Principal (10+ yrs)	Principal Engineer, Architect, Director	$170,000+

Insider Tip: The salary bands above reflect base salary. In Quincy and the broader Boston area, total compensation (TC) is king. At mid-to-large tech firms, you can expect an additional 15-30% in annual bonuses and stock grants, significantly boosting your take-home pay.

How Quincy Stacks Up Against Other MA Cities:
Quincy sits in a sweet spot. It's more affordable than Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, while still commanding salaries very close to those markets. For instance, a Software Developer in Boston proper might see a 2-5% higher base salary, but the difference in rent and cost of living often erodes that advantage. Quincy provides access to the Boston job market (via the Red Line T) without the premium price tag of city living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $131,688 salary sounds great, but in Massachusetts, you need to account for the state's progressive income tax (5%) and federal taxes. After a rough estimate of federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, no dependents), your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $7,500 - $8,000.

Now, let's factor in the rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quincy is $2,377/month. This is above the national average but below the prices in adjacent Cambridge (~$2,800+) and Boston (~$3,000+).

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a mid-level developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$7,800	After taxes (estimate)
Rent (1BR)	($2,377)	Average for Quincy
Utilities (Gas/Electric/Internet)	$200	Varies by season
Groceries & Household	$500	Northeast prices
Transportation (T Pass + Occasional Uber)	$150	MBTA monthly pass: $90
Entertainment & Dining Out	$600	A major part of the Boston experience
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$150	Typical post-premium deduction
Retirement (401k - 10% contribution)	$1,100	Pre-tax, crucial for long-term wealth
Student Loan/Other Debt	$300	Varies by individual
Miscellaneous & Savings	$2,423	Buffer for car, travel, etc.
Total Expenses	$5,727
Remaining	$2,073	For additional savings, investments, or a mortgage.

Can you afford to buy a home?
With a median home price in Quincy hovering around $650,000 - $700,000 for a single-family home or condo, homeownership is a significant stretch on a single $131,688 salary. After a 20% down payment ($130,000 - $140,000), a mortgage, taxes (Quincy has a high residential tax rate), and insurance could push your monthly housing cost to $3,500+. This would consume nearly half of your take-home pay, leaving little room for other goals. Couples with dual incomes find it more manageable, but for a single developer, renting is the more common and financially prudent initial choice.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy's tech job market is uniquely positioned. It's a blend of healthcare, finance, and the "suburban campus" of Boston-based giants. You're not working in a glass tower downtown, but in offices often nestled in tech parks or near the "City of Presidents."

1. Boston Medical Center (BMC) - Quincy Campus: Quincy is home to a major BMC facility. They have a significant IT and software development team focused on healthcare systems, patient portals, and internal data platforms. The work is mission-driven, stable, and offers great benefits. Hiring is steady, with a focus on Java, .NET, and healthcare-specific systems (like Epic).

2. State Street Corporation: While their global HQ is in Boston, State Street has a massive operational center in Quincy. They are a major employer for software developers working on financial systems, data engineering, and backend infrastructure. Expect roles in Java, Python, and cloud technologies (AWS/Azure). The corporate culture is traditional but stable.

3. iRobot: Headquartered in Bedford, MA, but with significant R&D and engineering presence in the broader area, iRobot recruits from Quincy's talent pool. They seek developers in embedded systems, robotics, and cloud-connected device software (Python, C++, AWS). It's a great fit for developers interested in IoT and consumer tech.

4. Toast: A Boston-based restaurant management tech company, Toast has been aggressively hiring remote and hybrid roles. Many of their engineers live in Quincy for the commute balance. They are always looking for full-stack developers (React, Node.js, Java) and product-focused engineers.

5. Liberty Mutual Insurance (Boston Office): A short Red Line ride away, Liberty Mutual's Boston office is a huge hub for software development. They are a major employer of Java developers, data scientists, and DevOps engineers. Their modernization projects offer complex, large-scale work. Commuting from Quincy is straightforward.

6. Nuance Communications (A Microsoft Company): Nuance, a leader in conversational AI, was acquired by Microsoft and has offices in Burlington, MA. Many of its employees live in Quincy for the commute. They specialize in speech recognition, NLP, and AI, requiring developers with Python, C#, and machine learning experience.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong push toward cloud-native development across all sectors. Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance and State Street's cloud migration are creating high demand for developers with AWS, Azure, and Kubernetes experience. The healthcare and finance sectors (BMC, State Street) offer stability, while companies like iRobot and Toast provide a more "tech startup" vibe in a stable environment.

Getting Licensed in MA

For Software Developers, there is no state-specific license required to practice, unlike fields like nursing or law. Your credentials are your portfolio, GitHub profile, and interview performance. However, there are professional certifications that can boost your resume and are valued by local employers.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate: This is the gold standard for cloud roles in Boston. Cost: ~$150. Study time: 1-3 months.
• Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect: Another top-tier cloud certification. Cost: ~$200.
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): Highly relevant for DevOps and platform engineering roles in the Boston area. Cost: ~$395 for the exam.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate: Important for companies like State Street and Liberty Mutual that use Microsoft's ecosystem. Cost: ~$165.

Timeline to Get Started: You don't need a license to start applying for jobs. You can begin your job search immediately. However, if you're looking to make a strategic career pivot (e.g., from generalist to cloud specialist), budget 3-6 months of dedicated study outside of your work hours to earn a key certification like AWS SA.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Living in Quincy is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local breakdown:

1. Quincy Center / Downtown Quincy:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with the Red Line T station at its heart. Newer luxury condos mix with historic buildings.
   • Commute: Excellent. Direct Red Line to South Station (15-20 mins), then walk or transfer to other lines. Easy access to the 93 highway.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,500 - $2,900/month for a modern apartment.
   • Best For: Those who want a true urban feel without Boston prices, easy access to the T, and a vibrant restaurant scene.

2. North Quincy / Wollaston:

   • Vibe: A quintessential residential neighborhood. Family-friendly, with more single-family homes and older apartment buildings. Close to the ocean.
   • Commute: Very good. Two Red Line stops (North Quincy, Wollaston) provide easy access. Slightly longer bike ride to the T for some blocks.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,100 - $2,500/month.
   • Best For: Developers seeking a quieter, more residential feel, good value, and proximity to parks and the Marina Bay waterfront.

3. Adams Shore / Houghs Neck:

   • Vibe: Quiet, coastal, and secluded. Mostly residential with a strong sense of community. Known for its scenic views and local clam shacks.
   • Commute: Car is often necessary. A 10-15 minute drive to Quincy Center T station. Traffic on the 3A can be heavy during rush hour.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300/month (more for a water-view condo).
   • Best For: Developers who work remotely or have a flexible schedule. Ideal for those who value a peaceful, beachside lifestyle and don't mind a commute.

4. West Quincy:

   • Vibe: Industrial-turned-tech. Home to the Blue Hills Reservation and the Massachusetts State Police headquarters. More corporate campuses and office parks.
   • Commute: Car is key. Close to I-93 and the Neponset River. Not directly on the T, but bus connections exist.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,400/month.
   • Best For: Developers who work at companies like BMC or State Street in Quincy and prefer a shorter drive over a T commute. Good access to outdoor activities in the Blue Hills.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Software Developers in Quincy is robust, tied directly to the health of the Boston tech ecosystem. The 17% job growth is a strong indicator.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain skills command a premium in the Greater Boston area.

  • Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure): +15-20% over a generalist developer.
  • Data Engineering & ML/AI: +10-15%. High demand from healthcare, finance, and robotics.
  • DevOps/SRE: +10-15%. Critical for all modern tech companies.
  • Cybersecurity: +10-25%. A growing focus for all major employers.

• Advancement Paths: In Quincy, you typically have two paths:

  1. Management: Progress from Developer to Team Lead to Engineering Manager. Requires strong soft skills and project oversight.
  2. Technical Excellence: Advance to Senior, Staff, or Principal Engineer. Requires deep specialization, system design skills, and the ability to influence technical direction without direct reports.

• 10-Year Outlook: The trend is clear: Quincy will remain a key residential and commercial hub for the Boston tech scene. As remote work solidifies, Quincy's affordability will attract more tech talent. The local healthcare, finance, and emerging robotics/AI sectors will continue to drive demand. Developers who continuously upskill in cloud, data, and AI will see the most growth and highest earning potential.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the pros and cons for a Software Developer considering a move to Quincy.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary ($131,688 median) with access to the Boston job market.	High Cost of Living (Cost of Living Index: 111.6).
Significant Rent Savings vs. Boston/Cambridge ($2,377 vs. $3,000+).	No State Licenses Needed, but competition is high from top-tier graduates.
Excellent Public Transit (Red Line) for a suburb.	Buying a Home is difficult on a single income.
Diverse Employer Base (healthcare, finance, tech).	Car is Often Needed for certain neighborhoods.
4-5 Great Neighborhoods with distinct lifestyles.	Winters can be long and cold.
17% Projected Job Growth shows a healthy future.	Older Housing Stock in many areas.

Final Recommendation: Quincy is an excellent choice for mid-career Software Developers (3-10 years of experience) who want to access the high-paying Boston tech job market without the exorbitant cost of city living. It's ideal for those who value a balanced lifestyle, appreciate good public transit, and don't mind a commute for a more affordable home. It may be a tougher sell for entry-level developers (due to the high entry-level cost) or for those who want to be immersed in the core startup scene of Cambridge/Somerville. For the pragmatic developer focused on career growth and financial stability, Quincy is a strategic and savvy move.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to live in Quincy as a Software Developer?
A: It depends on your neighborhood and job. If you live in Quincy Center or North Quincy and work in Boston, you can rely on the Red Line. If you live in Adams Shore or work at a campus in West Quincy, a car is highly recommended. Many developers use a combination of the T for their daily commute and a car for weekend errands.

Q: How competitive is the job market in Quincy?
A: Very competitive, but not as cutthroat as in downtown Boston. The 609 jobs in the metro area attract a mix of local and Boston talent. Your best bet is to have a strong portfolio (GitHub), be proficient in in-demand skills (Cloud, Python, Java), and be prepared to network locally. Attending meetups in Boston or Cambridge can be very effective.

Q: Is the commute from Quincy to Cambridge/Somerville realistic?
A: Yes, but it can be long. A typical commute via Red Line and bus or transfer can take 45-60 minutes one way. Some developers opt to drive (30-45 mins with traffic) or use the commuter rail from Quincy Center to North Station. It’s a personal trade-off between cost of living and commute time.

Q: What's the best way to find a Software Developer job in Quincy?
A: Use the major job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor) with filters for "Quincy, MA" and "Remote" (many Boston companies offer hybrid). Also, check the career pages of the specific employers listed above (BMC, State Street, etc.). Networking with alumni from local schools like UMass Boston or Wentworth can also open doors.

Q: Will my salary go far in Quincy?
A: With a median salary of $131,688, you can live comfortably in Quincy, especially if you are budget-conscious. You'll be able to afford a nice 1-bedroom apartment, save for retirement, and enjoy the local lifestyle. However, homeownership on a single income is challenging, and you'll need to be mindful of your budget, as the Cost of Living Index is 11.6% above the national average.