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Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $100,040 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $100,040 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $8,337 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $1,924 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $48 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA offers a range of salary opportunities for professionals. The average yearly salary in Cambridge stands at $100,040. This figure represents a blend of various industries and positions. This data provides a solid insight into the earning potential for job seekers in the area.


The salary distribution in Cambridge highlights the diversity of income levels. Some of the key points include:

  • 27.67% of the positions offer salaries around $33,000 annually.
  • 15.62% of jobs pay approximately $54,318 a year.
  • 11.23% of roles offer about $75,636 annually.
  • 8.58% of positions pay around $96,955 per year.
  • 7.56% of jobs provide salaries close to $118,273 annually.
  • 7.51% of roles offer around $139,591 per year.
  • 7.09% of positions pay approximately $160,909 annually.
  • 3.26% of jobs offer salaries close to $182,227 per year.
  • 3.41% of roles provide around $203,545 annually.
  • 1.71% of positions pay approximately $224,864 per year.
  • 1.37% of jobs offer salaries close to $246,182 annually.
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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA offers top-notch job opportunities with competitive salaries. Leading the list are the Regulatory Affairs Director, Principal Scientist, and Data Scientist roles. These positions pay an average of $209,892, $155,375, and $154,521, respectively. Other high-paying jobs include roles such as Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and Engineer. The average salary for Software Engineers is $154,317, for Machine Learning Engineers it is $149,511, and Engineers earn $141,064 on average. These jobs provide attractive compensation packages and promising career growth. Job seekers in Cambridge can find rewarding opportunities across various fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $209,892 and Researcher with the lowest at $134,115.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $209,892
    This role involves ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. It includes managing documentation and interacting with regulatory bodies. Companies like biotech firms and pharmaceutical companies need these professionals.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $155,375
    This position requires leading research and development projects. It involves designing experiments and analyzing data. This job fits well in tech companies and research institutions.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Data Scientist
    Average Salary: $154,521
    Data scientists analyze complex data sets to help make decisions. They work with big data tools and programming languages. This role is common in tech companies and consultancies.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $154,317
    Software engineers develop and maintain software applications. They work with coding languages and debugging tools. This job is crucial in tech firms and software development companies.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $149,511
    These engineers design and implement machine learning models. They use algorithms and data to create predictive models. This role is needed in tech companies and research labs.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Engineer
    Average Salary: $141,064
    Engineers apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve problems. They design, test, and oversee the manufacturing of products. This job is found in various industries, including tech and manufacturing.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Director
    Average Salary: $137,769
    Directors manage teams and projects. They set goals and ensure the team meets them. This role is common in corporate settings and business management.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,449
    Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications. They also provide advice on drug use and side effects. This profession is essential in pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $136,126
    Systems engineers design and maintain computer systems. They work on both hardware and software. This role is crucial in tech companies and IT firms.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Researcher
    Average Salary: $134,115
    Researchers conduct studies and gather data. They analyze information to support scientific or technical advancements. This job is common in academic institutions and research organizations.
    Find Researcher jobs in Cambridge, MA

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

Job seekers in Cambridge, MA, can find good earning opportunities without a degree in various roles. High-paying positions include Server and Service Team Member, where salaries reach up to $48,783 annually. These jobs offer stable income and potential for tips, making them attractive options for those without college degrees. Other well-paying roles without a degree requirement include Line Cook, Beauty Consultant, and Server Assistant. These positions provide competitive pay, with earnings around $40,000 to $48,000 per year. These jobs often require specific skills and experience, offering opportunities for professional growth and financial stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $48,783 and Line Cook with the lowest at $41,154.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $48,783
    Serve food and drink to customers in a fast-paced environment. Work at popular spots like The Butcher Shop or The Riverside Grille. Take orders, serve food promptly, and ensure customer satisfaction.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $46,176
    Help customers with any issues or questions they may have. Work at places like Starbucks or Dunkin'. Stock shelves, clean equipment, and assist the baristas. Ensure a pleasant shopping experience for customers.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,154
    Prepare food quickly and efficiently in a busy kitchen. Work at restaurants like Union Square or The Plough & the Stars. Follow recipes, keep the cooking area clean, and ensure food is ready on time.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, stands out as a hub for top-paying companies across various industries. Leaders in this category include Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, and Google, all of which offer average salaries above $175,000. Other notable companies with high compensation packages are HubSpot, Apple, and IPSEN, with average salaries surpassing $180,000. These firms provide attractive salary packages, making them highly desirable for professionals in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Bristol Myers Squibb with the highest at $192,420 and Sarepta Therapeutics with the lowest at $157,109.

  1. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $192,420
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines.


  2. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $190,640
    Sanofi is a global healthcare leader that develops and provides life-transforming therapies.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $187,070
    Google is a technology giant known for its innovative products and services, including search engines, cloud computing, and advertising.


  4. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $182,827
    HubSpot is a leading CRM platform that offers software and support to help businesses grow their audience and convert prospects into customers.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $180,288
    Apple is a technology powerhouse that designs and manufactures consumer electronics, software, and online services.


  6. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $178,699
    IPSEN is a global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on oncology, rare diseases, and neuroscience.


  7. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $176,379
    Takeda is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patients' lives through innovative medicines.


  8. Novartis
    Average Salary: $175,317
    Novartis is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines.


  9. Biogen
    Average Salary: $169,346
    Biogen is a biotechnology company that develops therapies for neurological, autoimmune, and rare diseases.


  10. Sarepta Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $157,109
    Sarepta Therapeutics is a gene therapy company dedicated to discovering and developing treatments for rare genetic diseases.

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

Cambridge, MA, stands out with a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing prices in Cambridge reach 184, indicating they are 84% higher than the national average. This elevated cost affects several areas, including groceries at 120, utilities at 108, transportation at 117, healthcare at 115, and miscellaneous expenses at 125, all surpassing the national benchmark.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 84% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 8% higher, transportation 17% higher, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 25% higher.

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA, is notably higher than the nationwide average of 100. Specifically, housing costs are significantly elevated, reaching 184 on the cost of living index. This means housing in Cambridge is 84% more expensive than the national average. Job seekers looking to relocate should be aware that they will likely spend a large portion of their budget on housing alone.


Other essential expenses also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Utilities are 8% above the average at 108. Transportation costs are also slightly higher at 17%, with an index of 117. While healthcare costs are just 15% higher at 115, miscellaneous expenses are 25% above average, standing at 125. These figures suggest that living in Cambridge involves more than just higher housing costs, affecting multiple aspects of daily expenses.

There are 1,361 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Cambridge, MA
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