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Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Sep 11, 2025
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What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $90,783 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $90,783 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $7,565 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $1,746 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $44 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $90,783. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the potential for competitive earnings. Job seekers can find positions that match their skills and experience levels, with salaries varying based on the industry and role.


The salary distribution in Cambridge shows a broad spectrum of earnings. The most common salary range is between $32,500 and $52,455, which covers about 28.51% of the workforce. Higher-paying roles, such as those in the tech and biotech sectors, can reach up to $132,273 or more. This variety ensures that professionals can find positions that align with their career goals and financial needs. The data highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the Cambridge job market.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, has many high-paying job opportunities. The top-paying roles include Regulatory Affairs Director, Principal Scientist, and Software Engineer. These positions offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for job seekers. Regulatory Affairs Directors lead important work in ensuring compliance with regulations. They earn an average salary of $197,886. Principal Scientists conduct advanced research and development, earning $152,496 on average. Software Engineers design and develop software, with an average salary of $146,882. These jobs offer excellent career prospects and financial rewards.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $197,886 and Scientist with the lowest at $113,983.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $197,886
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. It requires strong communication skills. Companies like Biogen and Merck offer such opportunities.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $152,496
    This position involves conducting research and experiments. It requires a deep understanding of scientific principles. Companies like Novartis and Takeda are known for these roles.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $146,882
    This role involves designing and developing software applications. It requires strong problem-solving skills. Companies like Google and Microsoft offer many such positions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Engineer
    Average Salary: $133,152
    This position involves designing, testing, and maintaining equipment. It requires a solid understanding of engineering principles. Companies like Raytheon and General Dynamics offer engineering roles.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $130,863
    This role involves overseeing operations and making strategic decisions. It requires strong leadership skills. Companies like Fidelity and Charles River Laboratories offer director positions.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $130,682
    This position involves assisting surgeons during operations. It requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital offer such roles.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,034
    This role involves providing patient care in various locations. It requires flexibility and strong clinical skills. Companies like Aya Healthcare and Travel Nurse Across America offer traveling nurse positions.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $120,205
    This position involves managing technical projects. It requires strong organizational skills. Companies like IBM and Oracle offer technical project lead roles.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $118,661
    This role involves overseeing programs and ensuring they meet objectives. It requires strong project management skills. Companies like Accenture and Deloitte offer program manager positions.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Scientist
    Average Salary: $113,983
    This position involves conducting research and experiments. It requires a strong understanding of scientific principles. Companies like Biogen and Merck offer scientist roles.
    Find Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA

What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA without a degree?

Job seekers in Cambridge, MA, can find well-paying roles without needing a college degree. High-paying positions include server, service team member, and line cook. These jobs often offer competitive salaries and can provide valuable experience. Servers earn an average of $50,817, while service team members make around $44,702. Line cooks also enjoy a solid income of about $41,222. These roles require skills and dedication, offering a chance to earn well in a dynamic environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $50,817 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $36,293.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $50,817
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in customer service. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,702
    Help customers with their orders. Work in fast food and casual dining. Learn about customer service and food preparation. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread offer positions.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,222
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain skills in cooking and kitchen management. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer roles.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,038
    Help customers choose beauty products. Work in retail stores. Learn about customer service and product knowledge. Companies like Ulta Beauty and Sephora offer positions.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,629
    Make coffee drinks and serve customers. Work in cafes and coffee shops. Learn about coffee preparation and customer service. Companies like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee offer roles.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,298
    Help servers with their duties. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in customer service and kitchen tasks. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer positions.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,962
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Learn about cleaning techniques and customer service. Companies like Hilton and Marriott offer roles.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $37,918
    Assist bartenders with their tasks. Work in bars and restaurants. Gain skills in bar operations and customer service. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer positions.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,454
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Learn about kitchen hygiene and efficiency. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer roles.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,293
    Help with food preparation and service. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in kitchen tasks and customer service. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer positions.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Cambridge, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

Job seekers in Cambridge, MA, have several top-tier companies to consider for attractive salaries. Bristol Myers Squibb leads the pack with an average salary of $200,407. Following closely are Google and Sanofi, with average salaries of $194,822 and $190,173, respectively. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them excellent choices for those seeking high-paying opportunities in the area. Other notable companies in Cambridge include HubSpot, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Novartis, all offering average salaries above $170,000. These companies also provide a range of benefits and career growth opportunities. Biogen, Sarepta Therapeutics, and IPSEN round out the list of top employers, each offering salaries that exceed $150,000. These figures highlight the strong job market and the potential for high earnings in Cambridge.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Bristol Myers Squibb with the highest at $200,407 and Sarepta Therapeutics with the lowest at $152,209.

  1. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $200,407
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company. They focus on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines to patients.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $194,822
    Google is a tech giant known for its search engine, cloud computing, and software products. They offer a dynamic work environment with many opportunities for growth.


  3. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $190,173
    Sanofi is a global healthcare company. They focus on developing medicines and vaccines for various health conditions.


  4. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $180,124
    HubSpot is a leading company in inbound marketing and sales software. They help businesses attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.


  5. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $173,444
    Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader. They focus on developing treatments for rare diseases.


  6. Novartis
    Average Salary: $173,404
    Novartis is a global healthcare company. They focus on discovering new ways to improve and extend people’s lives.


  7. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $173,400
    IPSEN is a global specialty-driven biopharmaceutical group. They focus on innovation and specialty care.


  8. Apple
    Average Salary: $171,331
    Apple is a leading technology company. They design and develop consumer electronics, computers, and mobile devices.


  9. Biogen
    Average Salary: $161,658
    Biogen is a biotechnology company. They focus on discovering, developing, and delivering therapies for neurological and rare diseases.


  10. Sarepta Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $152,209
    Sarepta Therapeutics is a biotechnology company. They focus on developing treatments for rare genetic diseases.

How does the cost of living in Cambridge, MA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Cambridge, MA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs are 115% higher, while groceries are 30% more expensive. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare also show increases, with miscellaneous costs rising by 45%. This data highlights the higher expenses job seekers may face in Cambridge compared to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 115% higher, groceries 30% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 45% higher.

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, particularly in housing. The housing index in Cambridge stands at 215, which is 115% higher than the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Cambridge are more than double what they are on average across the country. For job seekers considering Cambridge, this high housing index could be a major factor in their budget planning.


Other expenses in Cambridge also surpass the national average. For instance, groceries cost 30% more, with an index of 130. Utilities are 10% higher at 110, while transportation costs are 20% above average at 120. Healthcare costs are slightly above the national average, with an index of 105, meaning they are 5% higher. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 45% higher, with an index of 145. These figures highlight the overall higher cost of living in Cambridge compared to the rest of the nation.

There are 1,814 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Cambridge, MA
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