What is the average salary in Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge, MA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $109,961. This reflects the area’s robust job market and strong economic conditions. Many people find that job opportunities in Cambridge align well with their skill sets and career aspirations.
Specific roles show higher average salaries. For example, those in the top percentile earn around $255,318 annually. This includes positions in technology, healthcare, and finance. Lower-paying jobs, while fewer, still offer respectable wages. Jobs in retail, hospitality, and entry-level positions typically range from $33,500 to $55,682 per year. This variety means job seekers can find roles that match their qualifications and financial needs.
What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $186,566
Manages clinical teams and patient care in hospitals and research facilities. Works closely with medical professionals to improve patient outcomes. Key players include Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
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Product Manager
Average Salary: $185,112
Leads the development of new products, from concept to market. Collaborates with engineering and marketing teams. Major employers include biotech firms like Moderna and Biogen.
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Director
Average Salary: $178,114
Oversees the operations of a department, ensuring all business objectives are met. Directs staff and coordinates between various teams. Common in academic institutions and large tech companies.
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Principal Scientist
Average Salary: $169,947
Conducts advanced research and experiments in life sciences. Works in labs, analyzing data to drive scientific innovation. Employers often include pharmaceutical companies.
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Machine Learning Engineer
Average Salary: $165,742
Develops models and algorithms for machine learning. Works on enhancing systems to learn and improve from data. Key employers include tech firms and research labs.
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Data Scientist
Average Salary: $163,133
Analyzes complex data sets to provide insights and recommendations. Works with businesses to improve strategies. Companies often include tech giants and financial firms.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $161,736
Designs and develops software applications. Works with a team to ensure software functions correctly. Opportunities exist with tech companies and startups.
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Program Director
Average Salary: $156,951
Manages specific programs within an organization. Ensures programs meet their goals and budgets. Works in diverse sectors, including education and healthcare.
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Marketing Manager
Average Salary: $146,356
Develops marketing strategies to promote products and services. Coordinates campaigns and analyzes market trends. Key employers include tech firms and consumer goods companies.
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Program Manager
Average Salary: $144,794
Oversees the planning and execution of projects. Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Common in tech companies and consulting firms.
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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA without a degree?

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Server
Average Salary: $53,280
Serving customers involves taking orders and serving food and drinks. Work in dining establishments and hotels. Gain experience with popular chains like The Brat and The Kegster.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $46,412
This role includes helping customers with any inquiries or requests. Job opportunities exist at places like Panera Bread and Dunkin'. It’s a great chance to learn customer service skills quickly.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $42,976
Cooks prepare meals following recipes. They work in fast-paced environments such as restaurants and cafes. Learn culinary skills while gaining experience in a busy kitchen.
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Beauty Consultant
Average Salary: $40,870
This role involves advising customers on beauty products. It includes working in stores like Ulta Beauty or Sephora. It’s a perfect job for those interested in beauty and skincare.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $39,568
Help servers with tasks like setting tables and clearing dishes. This job is ideal for those looking to enter the food service industry. Opportunities at places like Café Express.
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Ice Cream Vendor
Average Salary: $39,000
Sell ice cream and other treats in outdoor or indoor settings. Gain experience with summer jobs or at local events. It’s a fun way to work with the public.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $38,807
Clean dishes and utensils in a commercial kitchen. This job involves working in busy environments like restaurants and cafes. Gain experience in food service operations.
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Barista
Average Salary: $38,756
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Job opportunities at coffee shops like Starbucks or local cafes. Learn to work quickly and serve customers with a smile.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

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Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.
Average Salary: $220,737
Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. is a leader in gene editing technology. The company is committed to finding new treatments for diseases.
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Akebia Therapeutics
Average Salary: $210,817
Akebia Therapeutics focuses on developing therapies for conditions related to anemia and kidney disease. They are dedicated to improving patient care.
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Bristol Myers Squibb
Average Salary: $197,682
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company. They work on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines for serious diseases.
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sanofi us
Average Salary: $190,741
Sanofi US is a part of a global health care leader. They are dedicated to providing solutions for a wide range of health issues.
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Ipsen
Average Salary: $189,258
Ipsen is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovation and specialty care. They develop treatments for rare diseases and cancer.
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Google
Average Salary: $188,018
Google is a tech giant known for its innovative products and services. They aim to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible.
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HubSpot
Average Salary: $183,755
HubSpot is a leading growth platform. They offer software to help businesses grow and improve their marketing, sales, and customer service.
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Apple
Average Salary: $182,959
Apple designs, manufactures, and markets consumer electronics. They focus on delivering user-friendly technology and services.
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Biogen
Average Salary: $177,757
Biogen is committed to discovering and developing treatments for neurological diseases. They are dedicated to advancing patient care.
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Concorde Education
Average Salary: $172,720
Concorde Education provides career-focused education. They offer programs designed to prepare students for successful careers.
How does the cost of living in Cambridge, MA compare to the national average?

Cambridge, MA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Housing stands out significantly with an index of 197, which means it costs nearly twice as much as the national average. This increase is due to high demand and limited supply of housing options in the area.
Other categories also show higher costs. Groceries have an index of 120, meaning they cost 20% more than the average. Utilities are slightly higher, at 106, adding a 6% increase to living expenses. Transportation costs, represented by an index of 110, show a modest 10% increase. Healthcare costs, with an index of 112, are 12% above the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, at 105, are 5% higher than average. All these factors combined make the overall cost of living in Cambridge, MA, notably higher than the national benchmark.



