Overview Salaries

Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Oct 11, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $93,363 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $93,363 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $7,780 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $1,795 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $45 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Cambridge is $93,363. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the potential for competitive compensation. Job seekers can find roles that match their skills and experience, with salaries varying based on the industry and position.


The salary distribution in Cambridge shows a broad spectrum of earnings. The top-paying sectors include technology, finance, and healthcare. These industries offer some of the highest salaries, with many positions exceeding $150,000 annually. For those in research, education, and government, salaries also tend to be strong, often surpassing $100,000 per year. This variety ensures that job seekers have multiple avenues to pursue based on their career goals and qualifications.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. The top-paying roles include Regulatory Affairs Director, Principal Scientist, and Software Engineer. These positions provide excellent compensation and often come with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. The Regulatory Affairs Director leads compliance and regulatory strategies, earning an average salary of $203,191. Principal Scientists conduct research and development, with an average salary of $153,615. Software Engineers design and develop software, earning an average of $149,052. These jobs attract professionals with specialized skills and experience, making them highly rewarding.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $203,191 and Technical Project Lead with the lowest at $122,343.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $203,191
    This role involves overseeing compliance with regulations. It is crucial for companies in biotech and pharmaceuticals. Key employers include Biogen and Merck.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $153,615
    Principal scientists conduct research and experiments. They work in labs and tech companies. Employers often include Novartis and Charles River Laboratories.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $149,052
    Software engineers design and develop applications. They work for tech firms and startups. Major employers are Google and Microsoft.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Engineer
    Average Salary: $133,574
    Engineers design, build, and test systems. They work in various industries. Key employers include Raytheon and General Electric.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Researcher
    Average Salary: $133,318
    Researchers conduct studies and experiments. They work in academic and corporate settings. Major employers include Harvard and MIT.
    Find Researcher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $130,827
    Surgical technicians assist surgeons during operations. They work in hospitals. Key employers include Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Director
    Average Salary: $129,449
    Directors oversee departments and teams. They work in various industries. Key employers include Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $128,971
    Traveling nurses provide care in different locations. They work for healthcare agencies. Key employers include Aya Healthcare and TravelNurseSource.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $123,354
    Program managers oversee projects and teams. They work in tech and healthcare. Key employers include Accenture and Partners HealthCare.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $122,343
    Technical project leads manage tech projects. They work for software companies. Key employers include IBM and Oracle.
    Find Technical Project Lead 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. Positions like server, service team member, and line cook offer competitive salaries. These jobs provide a solid income and valuable experience in a vibrant city. Servers and service team members often earn over $50,000 annually. Line cooks and other food service roles also provide good pay, with salaries ranging from $36,000 to $44,000. These opportunities allow individuals to earn a good living while gaining skills in a dynamic work environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $50,001 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $36,293.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $50,001
    Work in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Serve food and drinks to customers. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these roles.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,831
    Help customers with their orders. Clean and maintain the dining area. Work in fast-food chains and restaurants. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread offer these positions.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,121
    Prepare ingredients and cook food. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these roles.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,111
    Help customers choose beauty products. Provide advice on skincare and makeup. Work in stores like Ulta Beauty and Sephora. These roles offer a chance to learn about beauty trends.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,551
    Support servers in their duties. Help set up tables and clear dishes. Work in restaurants and cafes. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these positions.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,458
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Interact with customers to take orders. Companies like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee offer these roles.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,962
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Ensure a comfortable environment for guests. Work in places like the Harvard Hotel and the Kendall Hotel. These roles require attention to detail.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $37,918
    Assist bartenders in preparing drinks and cleaning. Work in bars and restaurants. Ensure the bar area is well-stocked. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these positions.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,684
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a clean and hygienic environment. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread offer these roles.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,293
    Assist in food preparation and service. Work in cafeterias and food service areas. Help ensure smooth operations. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these 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. Sanofi leads the pack with an average salary of $190,974, followed closely by Google at $187,136. Bristol Myers Squibb and HubSpot also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $182,129 and $181,416, respectively. Other notable companies in Cambridge include Apple, IPSEN, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, all offering salaries above $175,000. Novartis, Biogen, and Sarepta Therapeutics round out the list with average salaries ranging from $163,545 to $151,190. These companies provide excellent opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding careers and competitive compensation.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Sanofi with the highest at $190,974 and Sarepta Therapeutics with the lowest at $151,190.

  1. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $190,974
    Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of people by providing health solutions.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $187,136
    Google is a tech giant known for its innovative products and services, including search engines, cloud computing, and more.


  3. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $182,129
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a leading biopharmaceutical company that develops and markets medicines for various diseases.


  4. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $181,416
    HubSpot is a software company that offers tools for marketing, sales, and customer service to help businesses grow.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $176,634
    Apple is a technology company known for its innovative products like iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads.


  6. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $176,083
    IPSEN is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases.


  7. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $175,870
    Takeda is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops and delivers innovative medicines to patients.


  8. Novartis
    Average Salary: $173,827
    Novartis is a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and markets new medicines.


  9. Biogen
    Average Salary: $163,545
    Biogen is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.


  10. Sarepta Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $151,190
    Sarepta Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to 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, for instance, are 68% higher than the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and transportation also show elevated costs, making Cambridge a more expensive place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 68% higher, groceries 20% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs are particularly high, with an index of 168. This means housing expenses in Cambridge are nearly 70% higher than the average American city. Job seekers should be aware that finding affordable housing may be challenging.


Other expenses also show a marked increase. Groceries, for example, have a cost of living index of 120, indicating a 20% higher cost compared to the national average. Utilities and transportation also show higher costs, with indices of 110 and 115, respectively. These figures suggest that living in Cambridge involves higher spending in these areas by 10% and 15% more than the average. Healthcare costs, however, are slightly below the national average at 105, offering some relief.

There are 1,993 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Cambridge, MA
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