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Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $109,251 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $109,251 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $9,104 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $2,101 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $53 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA, offers competitive salaries across various sectors. Job seekers can expect a range of earnings based on the industry. The average yearly salary in Cambridge is around $109,251. This figure gives a good sense of what professionals might earn here.


Here are some average salaries for different job types:

  • Software and Applications Developers: $122,485
  • Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations: $100,269
  • Educational Services: $55,836
  • Healthcare Support: $33,620
Many industries in Cambridge provide strong earning potentials.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, is a great place to find high-paying job opportunities. The area offers well-paid roles in various sectors, making it an attractive destination for job seekers. Regulatory Affairs Directors lead the way with an average salary of $222,686. Clinical Supervisors also earn a strong income, averaging $181,379 annually. A number of other top-paying positions are available in Cambridge. Principal Scientists, Software Engineers, and Directors all enjoy salaries exceeding $150,000. Data Scientists and Marketing Managers average more than $153,000 and $143,000 respectively. These roles highlight the many opportunities in this thriving location for those seeking well-paying jobs.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $222,686 and Pharmacist with the lowest at $137,958.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $222,686
    In this role, one works with biotech firms to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Companies like Moderna and Biogen look for experienced candidates to lead regulatory initiatives. The job involves overseeing drug approval processes and maintaining compliance with FDA guidelines.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $181,379
    Supervising healthcare professionals in clinical settings is crucial. This position often involves working with top-tier hospitals like Mass General and Brigham and Women’s. Responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring quality patient care, and handling day-to-day clinical operations.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $159,590
    Conducting research and development is key in this position. Companies such as Merck and Vertex Pharmaceuticals seek individuals who can lead scientific projects. Tasks involve designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings in scientific journals.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $158,321
    Developing and maintaining software solutions is essential. Tech firms like Akamai Technologies and Stripe hire for these roles. Engineers work in teams to create software that meets customer needs and improves system performance.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $153,682
    Leading strategic initiatives within a company is the focus. Directors often work with global firms like Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab. They manage teams, set goals, and ensure projects align with company objectives.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Data Scientist
    Average Salary: $153,376
    Analyzing large sets of data to find insights is crucial. Companies like Uber and Boston Consulting Group hire for these roles. Scientists use statistical methods to interpret data and guide business decisions.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Marketing Manager
    Average Salary: $143,449
    Developing and executing marketing strategies is key. This position often involves working with firms like Bose and HubSpot. Managers create campaigns, analyze market trends, and ensure brand consistency across all channels.
    Find Marketing Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $142,125
    Overseeing project timelines and budgets is vital. Companies such as General Electric and Raytheon seek experienced managers. They coordinate teams, ensure projects stay on track, and deliver results on time.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $138,400
    Providing patient care in various locations is essential. Nurses work with hospitals like Mount Auburn Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. They travel to different sites to offer medical services and support.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $137,958
    Dispensing medications and providing healthcare advice is key. Pharmacists work with CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens. They ensure patients receive the correct medications and understand how to use them.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Cambridge, MA

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

Cambridge, MA, offers several high-paying job opportunities for those without a college degree. Jobs in the hospitality and service sectors stand out, providing competitive salaries while being accessible without formal education. For example, server positions can earn over $49,000 annually. Other roles like service team members, line cooks, and kitchen team members also offer promising incomes. These careers not only pay well but also offer valuable experience and skills. The average salaries for these positions reflect the demand for qualified workers. For instance, service team members can earn around $47,000 per year, while line cooks and kitchen team members can earn about $41,000 and $37,000, respectively. These jobs provide a solid foundation for professional growth and financial stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $49,220 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $37,088.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $49,220
    Deliver food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide great service. Work in busy environments like cafes and restaurants.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $47,941
    Help maintain cleanliness. Work with others to ensure a pleasant environment. Serve customers efficiently.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,590
    Prepare ingredients and cook food. Work quickly in a fast-paced kitchen. Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure timely service.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $41,346
    Help servers with tasks. Set up tables and take care of dishes. Assist in busy dining areas. Work for hotels and restaurants.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,708
    Advise customers on beauty products. Recommend suitable items based on needs. Work for high-end stores and beauty chains.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,011
    Prepare and serve coffee and other drinks. Interact with customers. Work in cafes and coffee shops.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $39,000
    Sell ice cream and other treats. Serve customers with a friendly smile. Work at fairs, parks, and beaches.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,658
    Clean dishes and kitchen tools. Ensure a clean and hygienic environment. Work in kitchens for restaurants and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,720
    Maintain cleanliness in rooms and common areas. Provide a comfortable environment for guests. Work in hotels and motels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,088
    Support kitchen staff with various tasks. Ensure smooth kitchen operations. Work in busy dining establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

Job seekers in Cambridge, MA, will find that several companies offer competitive salaries. Intellia Therapeutics, Akebia Therapeutics, and Bristol Myers Squibb lead the way, offering average salaries above $180,000. These leading employers provide strong financial benefits, making Cambridge an attractive location for career growth. Companies like Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Google also provide attractive compensation packages. These firms consistently rank among the best-paying employers in the area. Job seekers will find good opportunities for salary and career advancement in these companies.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Intellia Therapeutics with the highest at $217,142 and Apple with the lowest at $181,625.

  1. Intellia Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $217,142
    Intellia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing genome editing therapies. They focus on pioneering treatments for rare genetic diseases.


  2. Akebia Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $206,307
    Akebia Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on treatments for anemia and anemia-related conditions in patients with chronic kidney disease.


  3. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $199,669
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company. They develop and market medicines for a range of diseases and conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.


  4. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $190,870
    Sanofi is a global healthcare company. They focus on developing and marketing innovative treatments in areas like diabetes and rare diseases.


  5. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $189,237
    Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company. They develop treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, oncology, neuroscience, and other areas.


  6. Google
    Average Salary: $187,796
    Google is a technology giant. They develop internet-related services and products, including search engines and cloud computing.


  7. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $184,740
    IPSEN is a global specialty-driven biopharmaceutical group. They focus on oncology, neuroscience, and rare diseases.


  8. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $183,827
    HubSpot is a leading software company for inbound marketing and sales. They create tools for businesses to grow and connect with customers.


  9. Novartis
    Average Salary: $183,110
    Novartis is a global healthcare company. They focus on developing innovative medicines for cardiovascular, oncology, and rare diseases.


  10. Apple
    Average Salary: $181,625
    Apple is a technology company known for its consumer electronics, software, and online services. They innovate in areas like smartphones and wearables.

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

Cambridge, MA, stands out with a high cost of living index, notably exceeding the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs in Cambridge are 63% higher, groceries 17% higher, and utilities 11% higher. Healthcare, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average, making Cambridge one of the more expensive places to live. Despite these higher costs, the quality of life in Cambridge remains attractive to many. While expenses are greater, professionals often find the investment worthwhile due to the area's amenities, job opportunities, and overall lifestyle benefits.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 63% higher, groceries 17% higher, utilities 11% higher, transportation 3% higher, healthcare 6% higher, miscellaneous 29% higher.

Job seekers looking at relocating to Cambridge, MA, should consider the city's cost of living index in comparison to the national average. The nationwide average cost of living is set at 100, with Cambridge's overall cost of living at 131. This means that living in Cambridge is about 31% more expensive than the national average. The housing cost in Cambridge stands at 163, which is 63% higher than the national average. This makes housing the most expensive category for those moving to Cambridge.


Other significant expenses in Cambridge include groceries at 117, which is 17% above the national average. Utilities cost 111, which is 11% higher, while miscellaneous expenses are at 129, 29% more than the national average. Transportation and healthcare costs are relatively closer to the national average. Transportation costs are at 103, only 3% higher, and healthcare is at 106, which is 6% more expensive. Understanding these differences can help potential residents budget appropriately and make informed decisions about living in Cambridge.

There are 1,547 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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