Overview Salaries

Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $104,082 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $104,082 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $8,674 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $2,002 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $50 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $104,082. This figure reflects the diverse job market in the area, where different fields offer different earning potentials.

Some of the top-paying sectors in Cambridge include technology, biotechnology, finance, and healthcare. For instance, those working in technology can expect to earn around $140,945 per year, while professionals in biotechnology can earn around $162,455 annually. Finance and healthcare workers also benefit from high salaries, often exceeding $180,000 per year. These ranges highlight the attractive opportunities available for skilled professionals in these fields.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, offers many high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The Regulatory Affairs Director leads with the highest average salary, reaching up to $218,230. Other top-paying roles include Principal Scientist and Software Engineer, both averaging over $155,000. These positions reflect the city’s strong demand for expertise in science, technology, and research. Job seekers will find that Cambridge values professionals who can drive innovation and efficiency. Roles like Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer also offer competitive salaries, reflecting the city's focus on cutting-edge technology. Each of these careers requires specialized skills and education, making them attractive for those with the right qualifications.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $218,230 and Researcher with the lowest at $134,180.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $218,230
    Manage compliance with laws and regulations for pharmaceutical or technology firms. Oversee teams to ensure adherence to guidelines. Collaborate with legal and product development teams to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $156,597
    Lead research projects and experiments in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. Analyze data to develop new products or improve existing ones. Work with cross-functional teams to translate research findings into practical applications.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $155,747
    Develop, test, and maintain software applications. Work on cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. Collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders to ensure high-quality software delivery.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Data Scientist
    Average Salary: $154,708
    Analyze and interpret complex data to help make data-driven decisions. Use statistical tools and techniques to uncover insights. Work with data engineers to clean and manage datasets for analysis.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $149,392
    Oversee operations and strategy for a department or organization. Lead teams to achieve business goals. Make strategic decisions and manage budgets to drive growth.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $149,099
    Design and implement machine learning models. Work with large datasets to develop algorithms. Collaborate with data scientists and software engineers to deploy ML solutions.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Engineer
    Average Salary: $138,918
    Design, develop, and test products and systems. Solve technical problems and optimize processes. Work in various sectors to improve efficiency and functionality.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $138,695
    Distribute medications and provide patient care. Advise on drug interactions and side effects. Work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, or research settings.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,684
    Design and implement computer systems. Ensure systems meet user needs and function smoothly. Troubleshoot issues and maintain system integrity.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Researcher
    Average Salary: $134,180
    Conduct in-depth studies and experiments. Collect and analyze data to draw conclusions. Publish findings in scientific journals or present at conferences.
    Find Researcher jobs in Cambridge, MA

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

In Cambridge, MA, many high-paying jobs do not require a degree. Opportunities include positions such as servers and service team members, which can earn over $47,000 a year. These roles provide excellent pay and often offer a chance to work in dynamic environments. Jobs like line cooks and bartenders also provide competitive salaries, often above $40,000 annually. These positions allow workers to gain valuable experience while enjoying a stable income. Each role offers a pathway to professional growth and financial stability, making them great options for those without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $48,853 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $37,143.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $48,853
    Work at local restaurants, serving food and drinks. Gain experience in customer service and multitasking. Opportunities include working at spots like Legal Sea Foods and The Plough and Stars.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $47,243
    Assist customers in dining areas. Learn about different food and drink options. Employment can be found at chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,452
    Prepare meals in fast-paced kitchens. Develop culinary skills. Positions exist at eateries such as The Cheesecake Factory and Panera Bread.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,630
    Help servers with tasks like setting tables and clearing dishes. Learn about restaurant operations. Look for roles at restaurants such as Chick-fil-A and McDonald's.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,600
    Promote and sell beauty products. Gain customer service experience. Opportunities include working for Sephora and Ulta Beauty.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,477
    Make coffee and other beverages. Learn about different drink recipes. Work at coffee shops like Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $39,000
    Sell ice cream and treats at events. Interact with customers. Look for seasonal jobs at places like Ben & Jerry’s and local fairs.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,081
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Learn about hygiene and kitchen safety. Find positions at places like Chipotle and Panera Bread.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $37,223
    Help bartenders with tasks like preparing drinks and stocking supplies. Learn about bar operations. Look for roles at bars like Harpoon Brewery and other local spots.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,143
    Clean hotel rooms and common areas. Maintain high standards of cleanliness. Work in hospitality at places like Hilton and Marriott.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cambridge, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

Job seekers in Cambridge, MA, will find some of the best-paying companies in the area. Bristol Myers Squibb leads with an average salary of $197,023. Following closely, Sanofi offers an average salary of $192,258. Google, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and HubSpot also provide competitive salaries, averaging $189,081, $183,821, and $181,526, respectively. Other notable companies in Cambridge include Apple, IPSEN, Moderna, Novartis, and Biogen. These companies offer average salaries ranging from $181,032 at Apple to $170,989 at Biogen. These figures highlight the range of high-paying opportunities available for professionals in this region.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Bristol Myers Squibb with the highest at $197,023 and Biogen with the lowest at $170,989.

  1. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $197,023
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines.


  2. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $192,258
    Sanofi is a global healthcare company with a mission to improve the lives of everyone by providing access to medical breakthroughs.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $189,081
    Google is a tech giant providing tools and services across many platforms, including search engines, advertising, cloud computing, and software.


  4. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $183,821
    Takeda is a global pharmaceutical company that focuses on research, development, and delivery of prescription medicines.


  5. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $181,526
    HubSpot offers a suite of marketing, sales, and customer service software to help businesses grow and connect with customers.


  6. Apple
    Average Salary: $181,032
    Apple designs and manufactures consumer electronics, computers, and software products, renowned for their innovation and design.


  7. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $180,086
    IPSEN is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovation and specialty care. It offers treatments in oncology, neuroscience, and rare diseases.


  8. Moderna
    Average Salary: $177,400
    Moderna is a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, aiming to create a new generation of transformative medicines.


  9. Novartis
    Average Salary: $177,231
    Novartis is a global leader in developing medical solutions. It focuses on innovation in pharmaceuticals, eye care, and oncology.


  10. Biogen
    Average Salary: $170,989
    Biogen is a biotech firm committed to researching, developing, and delivering therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative 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, stand at 52% higher than the average, with groceries at 25% more and utilities at 12% above the national mean. This indicates that residents of Cambridge face notably higher expenses in these areas compared to the rest of the country. Specifically, the transportation and healthcare indexes in Cambridge are close to the national average, at 10% and 5% higher, respectively. Miscellaneous expenses are also 20% above the national average. This data suggests that while some areas of spending are only slightly higher, others are considerably more costly, shaping the overall living experience in Cambridge.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 52% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 12% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

The cost of living index in Cambridge, MA, provides valuable insight for those considering relocating or already living in this vibrant city. Compared to the nationwide average of 100, Cambridge shows a significantly higher cost across several key areas. For housing, the index stands at 152, indicating that housing costs are 52% higher than the national average. This makes finding affordable housing a major consideration for many.


In other areas, while not as high as housing, the cost of living in Cambridge still exceeds the national average. Groceries cost 25% more, with an index of 125. Utilities are also slightly elevated at 12% over the average, with an index of 112. Transportation costs mirror the national average with an index of 110, showing a 10% increase. Healthcare costs are relatively close to the average at 105, indicating a 5% increase. Miscellaneous expenses are 20% higher than the national average, with an index of 120. These figures highlight the overall higher cost of living in Cambridge, making it essential for job seekers to consider these factors when evaluating job opportunities in the area.

There are 1,930 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Cambridge, MA
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