Overview Salaries

Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Dec 10, 2025
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What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $98,399 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $98,399 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $8,200 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $1,892 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $47 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $98,399. This figure reflects a robust job market with opportunities for growth and advancement. Professionals in the area can expect to find rewarding positions that align with their skills and experience.


The salary distribution in Cambridge shows a diverse range of earnings. The highest percentage of earners, around 27.78%, falls within the $33,000 to $54,091 range. This is followed by the $54,091 to $75,182 range, which includes 16.57% of the workforce. Other notable ranges include $75,182 to $96,273, $96,273 to $117,364, and $117,364 to $138,455. These figures highlight the variety of opportunities available for job seekers in Cambridge.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The top-paying roles include Regulatory Affairs Director, Principal Scientist, and Software Engineer. These positions provide competitive salaries and attract top talent in their respective fields. The Regulatory Affairs Director leads compliance and regulatory efforts, earning an average of $209,505 annually. Principal Scientists, who drive research and development, earn around $154,682 per year. Software Engineers, who design and develop software systems, earn about $153,848 annually. The city's strong tech and research sectors support these high salaries, making Cambridge an attractive place for professionals seeking rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $209,505 and Electronics Engineer with the lowest at $132,521.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $209,505
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. It requires strong communication skills. Companies like Biogen and Moderna offer such positions.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $154,682
    This position involves conducting research and experiments. It requires a deep understanding of scientific principles. Companies like Merck and Novartis provide opportunities for this role.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $153,848
    This role involves designing and developing software applications. It requires strong problem-solving skills. Companies like Google and Microsoft offer many opportunities for software engineers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Data Scientist
    Average Salary: $152,484
    This position involves analyzing data to help make decisions. It requires a strong understanding of statistics. Companies like IBM and Oracle offer roles in data science.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $149,956
    This role involves creating and improving machine learning models. It requires a deep understanding of algorithms. Companies like Google and Amazon offer positions in this field.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $136,174
    This position involves designing and maintaining systems. It requires strong technical skills. Companies like Raytheon and BAE Systems offer roles in systems engineering.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Engineer
    Average Salary: $134,797
    This role involves designing and developing products. It requires strong problem-solving skills. Companies like General Electric and Honeywell offer engineering positions.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Director
    Average Salary: $132,915
    This position involves overseeing operations. It requires strong leadership skills. Companies like Biogen and Moderna offer director roles.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Researcher
    Average Salary: $132,753
    This role involves conducting research to advance knowledge. It requires strong analytical skills. Companies like Harvard and MIT offer research positions.
    Find Researcher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Electronics Engineer
    Average Salary: $132,521
    This position involves designing and developing electronic systems. It requires strong technical skills. Companies like Analog Devices and Linear Technology offer roles in electronics engineering.
    Find Electronics Engineer 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 degree. High-earning positions include server, service team member, and line cook. These jobs offer competitive salaries and valuable work experience. Servers and service team members often earn over $45,000 annually. Line cooks also enjoy a strong income, with many positions paying close to $41,000 per year. These roles provide a chance to earn a good living while gaining skills in customer service and food preparation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $48,994 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $37,088.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $48,994
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in hospitality. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $45,485
    Help with food preparation and service. Work in fast-food restaurants. Learn about customer service. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread provide good experience.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,041
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain skills in cooking. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer good positions.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,346
    Help customers with beauty products. Work in stores like Ulta Beauty. Learn about sales and customer service. Gain experience in the beauty industry.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $39,890
    Help servers with tasks. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in hospitality. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer good opportunities.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,333
    Make coffee and other drinks. Work in coffee shops. Learn about customer service. Companies like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee offer good positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $39,000
    Sell ice cream and other treats. Work in parks and events. Gain experience in sales. Companies like Ben & Jerry's offer good opportunities.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,681
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in cleaning. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer good positions.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $37,640
    Help bartenders with tasks. Work in bars and restaurants. Gain experience in hospitality. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer good opportunities.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,088
    Clean rooms and common areas. Work in hotels and motels. Gain experience in cleaning. Companies like Hilton and Marriott offer good positions.
    Find Housekeeping 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 high salaries. Sanofi leads the pack with an average salary of $190,990, followed closely by Bristol Myers Squibb at $189,682. Google and HubSpot also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $187,205 and $182,976, respectively. Other notable companies in Cambridge include Apple, IPSEN, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Biogen, and Sarepta Therapeutics. These companies provide average salaries ranging from $181,358 to $156,289. Each of these employers offers a chance for job seekers to secure a strong income in a vibrant tech and biotech hub.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Sanofi with the highest at $190,990 and Sarepta Therapeutics with the lowest at $156,289.

  1. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $190,990
    Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. It offers a wide range of products and services in various therapeutic areas.


  2. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $189,682
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a leading biopharmaceutical company. It develops and markets medicines for serious diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $187,205
    Google is a technology giant known for its search engine and various other services. It offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for innovation.


  4. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $182,976
    HubSpot is a software company that provides tools for marketing, sales, and customer service. It is known for its inbound marketing approach.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $181,358
    Apple is a technology company famous for its iPhones, MacBooks, and other innovative products. It is a leading player in the tech industry.


  6. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $177,398
    IPSEN is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, neuroscience, and rare diseases. It is dedicated to improving patients' lives.


  7. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $175,366
    Takeda is a global pharmaceutical company that develops and delivers innovative medicines. It focuses on gastroenterology, oncology, and rare diseases.


  8. Novartis
    Average Salary: $174,726
    Novartis is a leading pharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and bringing innovative medicines to patients worldwide.


  9. Biogen
    Average Salary: $166,987
    Biogen is a biotechnology company that develops therapies for neurological and rare diseases. It is committed to innovation and patient care.


  10. Sarepta Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $156,289
    Sarepta Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for genetic diseases. It is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with rare diseases.

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

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average. Housing costs 82% higher, groceries 26% higher, and transportation 20% higher. Utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also surpass the average, though by smaller margins. Job seekers should consider these elevated expenses when planning a move to Cambridge.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 82% higher, groceries 26% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, particularly in housing. The housing index in Cambridge stands at 182, which is 82% higher than the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Cambridge are nearly 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 areas also show higher costs compared to the national average. Groceries in Cambridge have an index of 126, which is 26% above the average. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show increases, with indices of 110, 120, 110, and 115, respectively. These indices represent 10%, 20%, 10%, and 15% increases over the national average. Job seekers should consider these higher costs when evaluating potential relocation to Cambridge.

There are 1,559 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Cambridge, MA
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