Overview Salaries

Salaries in Cambridge, MA

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

The average salary in Cambridge, MA is $108,017 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $108,017 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $9,001 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $2,077 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Cambridge, MA, showing an average salary of $52 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Cambridge, MA offers competitive salaries across various industries. Professionals can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $108,017. This number reflects a thriving job market with opportunities in diverse sectors. The distribution of salaries in Cambridge shows a wide range of earnings, which can benefit job seekers looking for better pay.


The salary data reveals that many roles offer substantial pay. For example, the highest-paying jobs reach salaries up to $275,500 annually. Job seekers can find attractive compensation in fields such as technology, healthcare, and finance. This variety makes Cambridge an appealing location for those seeking both good pay and career growth.

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What are the best paying jobs in Cambridge, MA?

The job market in Cambridge, MA, offers excellent opportunities for those seeking top-paying roles. Among the best-paying positions are Regulatory Affairs Director, Principal Scientist, and Software Engineer. These roles often come with competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in these areas. Regulatory Affairs Directors typically earn over $221,000, leading the list of highest-paying jobs. Principal Scientists and Software Engineers also make substantial salaries, averaging around $158,000 and $158,000, respectively. These positions require specialized skills and knowledge, making them highly valued in the local job market. Job seekers with expertise in these fields can find rewarding and lucrative career paths in Cambridge.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Regulatory Affairs Director with the highest at $221,181 and Systems Engineer with the lowest at $137,989.

  1. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $221,181
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. It is vital for companies that need to follow strict guidelines. Biotech and pharmaceutical firms often need these professionals.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Principal Scientist
    Average Salary: $158,119
    The principal scientist leads research and development. They work closely with teams to discover new solutions. This job is common in tech and healthcare sectors.
    Find Principal Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $157,754
    Software engineers create applications and systems. They design, test, and maintain software. Tech giants and startups in Cambridge value these skills.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Director
    Average Salary: $153,448
    A director oversees operations and strategy. They make key decisions for the company. This role exists in various sectors, including finance and tech.
    Find Director jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Data Scientist
    Average Salary: $153,216
    Data scientists analyze data to help companies make decisions. They use statistics and machine learning. Tech firms and research institutions need these experts.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Marketing Manager
    Average Salary: $145,165
    Marketing managers develop strategies to promote products. They work on campaigns and market research. This position is key in consumer goods and tech companies.
    Find Marketing Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Program Manager
    Average Salary: $140,286
    Program managers coordinate projects. They ensure teams meet deadlines. This role is crucial in tech and healthcare sectors.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Engineer
    Average Salary: $139,334
    Engineers design and develop products. They solve technical problems. This role is common in tech and manufacturing companies.
    Find Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $138,917
    Traveling nurses provide care in various locations. They adapt to new environments quickly. This job is in demand in healthcare facilities.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,989
    Systems engineers maintain IT infrastructure. They ensure systems run smoothly. Tech companies and large firms rely on these professionals.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA

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

Looking for high-paying jobs in Cambridge, MA? Several options do not require a college degree. Server positions often lead to top earnings with an average salary of nearly $50,000. Service team members and line cooks also enjoy good pay, with salaries around $48,000 and $42,000, respectively. Other well-paying roles include beauty consultants and baristas. These jobs can earn about $41,000 on average. Beauty consultants help customers choose products, while baristas prepare coffee and other drinks. Many of these positions offer opportunities to advance and earn even more in the future.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Cambridge, MA without a degree, highlighting Server with the highest at $49,499 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $37,088.

  1. Server
    Average Salary: $49,499
    Works in popular dining spots to serve food and drinks. Interacts with guests to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and Legal Harbor House are known for this role.
    Find Server jobs in Cambridge, MA


  2. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $47,706
    Plays a key role in the service side of various food outlets. Engages with customers to provide excellent service. Dunkin’ and Panera Bread are local employers looking for service team members.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,660
    Prepares ingredients and cooks food according to recipes. Works quickly in a fast-paced environment. Positions are available at restaurants like The Butcher Shop and more.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Cambridge, MA


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,867
    Supports servers in delivering food and beverages to customers. Works in a team to ensure smooth service operations. Opportunities can be found at places like Eatwell and B Brothers.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  5. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $40,708
    Provides expert advice on beauty products and skincare. Engages with clients to recommend products. Work with brands like Ulta Beauty and Sephora.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Cambridge, MA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $39,109
    Prepares and serves coffee and other beverages. Engages with customers to provide a delightful coffee experience. Positions can be found at Dunkin’ and local cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Cambridge, MA


  7. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $39,000
    Sells ice cream and related products. Engages with customers to recommend products. Work at local events or in ice cream parlors.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Cambridge, MA


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $38,471
    Cleans dishes and kitchen equipment. Works in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Opportunities are available at restaurants like Legal Sea Foods.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Cambridge, MA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $37,099
    Maintains cleanliness in hotels and similar establishments. Engages in tasks like cleaning rooms and laundry. Companies like the Harvard Club of Boston offer such positions.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Cambridge, MA


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,088
    Assists in food preparation and cooking. Works in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Opportunities can be found at places like The Butcher Shop.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Cambridge, MA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge, MA, offers several top-paying companies for job seekers. Akebia Therapeutics leads the pack with an average salary of $204,426. Following closely are Bristol Myers Squibb and Sanofi, both offering competitive salaries around $200,000. Other notable companies such as Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Google, and HubSpot also provide attractive compensation packages. These companies present excellent opportunities for those seeking high salaries. Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Google both exceed $180,000 in average salary, while HubSpot rounds out the list at $182,560. Novartis, Apple, and Biogen also offer salaries that exceed the local average, making them strong contenders for job seekers looking for good pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Cambridge, MA, highlighting Akebia Therapeutics with the highest at $204,426 and Biogen with the lowest at $175,181.

  1. Akebia Therapeutics
    Average Salary: $204,426
    Akebia Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on treating anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. They are known for their innovative approach to medical research.


  2. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $199,669
    Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines for various conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases.


  3. Sanofi
    Average Salary: $190,726
    Sanofi is a global healthcare leader focused on innovative treatments in specialties like diabetes, rare diseases, and vaccines.


  4. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $188,111
    Takeda Pharmaceuticals is a research-based biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering innovative medicines in therapeutic areas such as oncology, gastroenterology, and plasma-derived therapies.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $187,728
    Google is a global technology company known for its search engine, cloud computing, and innovative products like Android and YouTube. They offer competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.


  6. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $182,560
    HubSpot is a leading inbound marketing and sales platform. They offer inbound software, methodology, and support to help businesses attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.


  7. IPSEN
    Average Salary: $182,527
    Ipsen is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovation and specialty care. They develop and commercialize therapeutic drugs in oncology, neurosciences, and rare diseases.


  8. Novartis
    Average Salary: $181,497
    Novartis is a global healthcare leader dedicated to transforming lives through innovative medicines. They work in areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, and neurosciences.


  9. Apple
    Average Salary: $181,237
    Apple is a technology giant known for its innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. They offer competitive salaries and a creative work environment.


  10. Biogen
    Average Salary: $175,181
    Biogen is a biotechnology company focused on innovative treatments for neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. They are committed to transforming patients' lives through science.

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, according to the latest cost of living index. Cambridge’s housing costs are 73% higher than the national average, while groceries cost about 17% more. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also sit above the national benchmark, making it a pricier place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Cambridge, MA vs. Nationwide: housing 73% higher, groceries 17% higher, utilities 8% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 11% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Cambridge, MA, offers an intriguing blend of high educational opportunities and a vibrant community but comes with a higher cost of living compared to the national average. The cost of living index in Cambridge, MA, reveals that housing costs are notably elevated, standing at 173, which is 73% higher than the nationwide average. This significant increase suggests that residents of Cambridge will need to allocate a larger portion of their budget to secure housing compared to the average American.


Other living expenses in Cambridge also surpass the national average. Groceries are priced at 17% more, utilities are 8% higher, and miscellaneous expenses are 30% above the average. While transportation costs are relatively in line with the national average at 10% higher, healthcare costs also rise slightly at 11% above average. These factors combined paint a picture of a city where living expenses are generally higher, requiring careful financial planning for those considering relocation to Cambridge, MA.

There are 1,385 job openings in Cambridge, MA, today!

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Cambridge, MA
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