Boston Releases 2025 City Payroll Data

The full database of over 25,000 city employee salaries is now public.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The City of Boston has released its complete 2025 payroll data, providing a detailed look at the salaries of over 25,000 municipal employees. The database was posted on the city's website at the end of the workday on the last Friday in February, fulfilling a commitment to transparency around how taxpayer funds are being spent.

Why it matters

The release of the city's payroll data allows residents and watchdog groups to scrutinize how their tax dollars are being allocated, potentially identifying areas for cost savings or better aligning compensation with performance. It also sheds light on the overall size and structure of Boston's municipal workforce.

The details

The payroll database includes the names, job titles, and salaries of all 25,000-plus city employees, from entry-level positions to top administrators. The data will allow analysts to examine trends in compensation, identify the highest and lowest paid roles, and understand how salaries are distributed across different departments and functions.

  • The payroll data was released on the last Friday in February 2026.

The players

City of Boston

The local government of Boston, Massachusetts, which employs over 25,000 municipal workers.

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The takeaway

The release of Boston's comprehensive payroll data represents a significant step towards government transparency, empowering citizens to better understand how their tax dollars are being spent and hold officials accountable. This data trove will likely spur analysis, debate, and potential reforms around city employee compensation and workforce management.