Overview Salaries

Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Updated on Aug 12, 2025
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What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $89,414 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $89,414 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $7,451 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $1,720 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $43 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $89,414. 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 most common salary range is around $52,727 to $72,455. This range covers many mid-level positions. Higher salaries, from $131,636 to $250,000, are available for specialized roles or senior positions. This variety allows job seekers to find roles that align with their career goals and financial needs.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Regulatory Affairs Directors lead the way with an average salary of $197,802. Principal Scientists and Software Engineers also earn impressive salaries, with $150,513 and $144,903 respectively. These roles require specialized skills and experience, making them attractive to professionals seeking top compensation. Other well-paying jobs in Cambridge include Engineers, Directors, and Surgical Technicians, all earning over $120,000 annually. Traveling Nurses, Technical Project Leads, and Program Managers also enjoy competitive salaries. These positions offer stability and growth potential, making them ideal for career-focused individuals.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $197,802 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $112,801.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $197,802
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. It requires strong communication skills. Companies like Biogen and Merck offer such positions.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $150,513
    Principal scientists conduct research and experiments. They need a deep understanding of scientific principles. Firms like Novartis and Takeda provide opportunities.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $144,903
    Software engineers design and develop applications. They must be skilled in programming languages. Google and Microsoft are prominent employers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Engineer
    Average Salary: $130,456
    Engineers design, build, and test products. They work on various projects. Companies like Raytheon and General Electric offer engineering roles.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Director
    Average Salary: $129,882
    Directors oversee operations and strategy. They need strong leadership skills. Many tech firms and healthcare organizations offer director positions.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $129,581
    Surgical technicians assist during surgeries. They must be detail-oriented. Hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital provide these roles.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $126,869
    Traveling nurses provide care in various locations. They need flexibility and adaptability. Agencies like Aya Healthcare offer traveling nurse positions.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $120,051
    Technical project leads manage tech projects. They need strong organizational skills. Companies like IBM and Oracle offer these roles.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $116,886
    Program managers oversee projects from start to finish. They need excellent planning and coordination skills. Many tech firms offer program manager positions.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $112,801
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They need a gentle touch and good communication skills. Dental practices in the area offer these roles.
    Find Dental Hygienist 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 such as servers and service team members offer competitive salaries, with servers earning an average of $50,706 annually. Other roles like line cooks and beauty consultants also provide good income opportunities, with average salaries around $41,000 and $40,000 respectively. These jobs provide a chance to earn a solid income while gaining valuable experience. Roles such as baristas, housekeeping staff, and food service aides also offer decent pay, with average salaries ranging from $36,000 to $45,000. These positions allow individuals to build skills and advance in their careers without the need for a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $50,706 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $36,213.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $50,706
    Serve food and drinks to guests. Work in restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in customer service. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $44,863
    Help with food preparation and service. Work in fast-food and casual dining. Learn about kitchen operations. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread provide these roles.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,271
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Cook meals quickly and efficiently. Work in restaurants and cafes. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these positions.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $39,960
    Help customers with their beauty needs. Recommend products and services. Work in beauty stores. Companies like Ulta Beauty and Sephora offer these roles.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,614
    Make coffee and other drinks. Serve customers with a smile. Work in coffee shops. Companies like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee offer these positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,962
    Clean rooms and common areas. Maintain a tidy environment. Work in hotels and motels. Companies like Hilton and Marriott offer these roles.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,951
    Help servers with their tasks. Assist in serving food and drinks. Work in restaurants and cafes. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these positions.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Bar Back
    Average Salary: $38,033
    Support bartenders in a busy bar. Prepare drinks and clean equipment. Work in bars and restaurants. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread offer these roles.
    Find Bar Back jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,231
    Assist in food preparation and service. Help in a kitchen or dining area. Work in restaurants and cafes. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and The Capital Grille offer these positions.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $36,213
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Learn about kitchen hygiene. Companies like Dunkin' and Panera Bread offer these roles.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

Job seekers in Cambridge, MA, have a variety of top-paying companies to consider. Bristol Myers Squibb leads the pack with an average salary of $198,293. Google follows closely with an average salary of $194,673. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive to professionals in the area. Other notable companies in Cambridge include Sanofi, HubSpot, and Novartis, all offering average salaries above $170,000. Takeda Pharmaceuticals, IPSEN, Apple, Biogen, and Sarepta Therapeutics also provide strong earning potentials. These companies offer a range of opportunities for those seeking both job satisfaction and financial rewards.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Bristol Myers Squibb with the highest at $198,293 and Sarepta Therapeutics with the lowest at $152,014.

  1. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $198,293
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company. They focus on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $194,673
    Google is a tech giant known for its search engine and many other services. They offer a wide range of job opportunities in tech and beyond.


  3. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $189,990
    Sanofi is a global healthcare company. They work on developing medicines and vaccines for various health conditions.


  4. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $182,011
    HubSpot is a leading company in inbound marketing and sales. They provide software to help businesses grow and manage their customer relationships.


  5. Novartis
    Average Salary: $174,282
    Novartis is a global healthcare company focused on innovation in pharmaceuticals. They develop medicines to improve and extend people's lives.


  6. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $173,401
    Takeda is a global biopharmaceutical company. They focus on creating innovative medicines for patients with gastrointestinal and other serious diseases.


  7. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $170,992
    Ipsen is a global specialty biopharmaceutical company. They focus on innovative and specialty therapeutics in oncology, neuroscience, and rare diseases.


  8. Apple
    Average Salary: $165,655
    Apple is a tech company known for its innovative products. They design and develop consumer electronics, software, and online services.


  9. Biogen
    Average Salary: $160,772
    Biogen is a biotechnology company. They focus on discovering and developing treatments for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.


  10. Sarepta Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $152,014
    Sarepta Therapeutics is a gene therapy company. They focus on 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, shows that housing costs are 42% higher than the nationwide average. Other expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also exceed the national average by 17%, 3%, and 10%, respectively. This indicates that living in Cambridge involves higher expenses across various categories.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 42% higher, groceries 17% higher, utilities 3% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA, is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Cambridge stand at 142, indicating that residents pay 42% more than the average American. This significant increase in housing costs can greatly impact overall living expenses, making it a crucial factor for job seekers to consider.


Other areas also show higher costs in Cambridge. Groceries cost 17% more, with an index of 117. Utilities, while slightly above average at 103, show a modest 3% increase. Transportation costs are 10% higher than the average, with an index of 110. Healthcare costs are relatively close to the average, at 105, showing a 5% increase. Miscellaneous expenses also rise, with an index of 115, indicating a 15% increase. These figures highlight the higher expenses job seekers may face in Cambridge compared to the national average.

There are 1,809 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Discover what it's like to work in Cambridge, MA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Cambridge, MA
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