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Cambridge, MA offers a bright landscape for job seekers with a variety of salary levels. The average yearly salary in the city stands at $82,593, which provides a solid foundation for a comfortable life.
Many positions pay around $32,250, while entry-level jobs can earn about $49,164. As employees gain experience and responsibilities, salaries can rise to $66,077 and beyond. A mid-range salary of $82,991 is common for more skilled roles.
For those in higher-paying positions, salaries climb significantly. Professionals can earn $99,905 or even up to $150,645. The top tier of jobs sees impressive salaries, reaching as high as $218,300.
This diverse salary range means that job seekers in Cambridge can find opportunities that meet their experience and expertise. With options for various skill levels, many can achieve their career goals while enjoying the benefits of working in this vibrant city.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $211,841
Professionals in this role transport goods over long distances using commercial vehicles. Companies like Amazon and FedEx often seek qualified drivers to manage logistics and ensure timely deliveries. This career provides solid pay and the opportunity to work independently.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $186,348
This position involves overseeing compliance with laws and regulations in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Organizations like Biogen and Genzyme require skilled directors to navigate complex regulations and maintain product approvals. Success in this role can lead to significant earning potential.
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Principal Scientist
Average Salary: $146,695
Experts in this role conduct research and lead innovative projects to advance scientific understanding. Companies such as Moderna and Vertex Pharmaceuticals value these scientists for their role in developing new treatments. This job blends expertise with creativity in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
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Program Director
Average Salary: $133,595
Individuals in this position manage programs that aim to achieve strategic organizational goals. Nonprofits and educational institutions in the area often seek skilled directors to ensure successful project execution. This role combines leadership with planning and provides opportunities to drive positive change.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $129,827
This role focuses on designing, coding, and testing software applications. Tech companies in Cambridge, including HubSpot and Akamai, look for engineers to create innovative solutions. A career as a software engineer offers both a solid salary and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.
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Finance Manager
Average Salary: $124,866
Finance managers play a crucial role in overseeing financial health and budgeting strategies. Firms in various sectors, including banking and technology, need skilled professionals to guide financial planning. This role requires analytical skills and offers a robust salary.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $123,211
Professionals design and develop electrical systems and components for various applications. Companies like Raytheon and Analog Devices seek talented engineers to innovate in electronics. This field combines practical skills with advanced technology, leading to rewarding careers.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $122,440
These healthcare professionals provide nursing care in various locations, often filling staffing gaps in hospitals. Demand for skilled traveling nurses continues to grow, especially in critical care settings. This job offers competitive pay along with flexibility and adventure.
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Engineer
Average Salary: $122,195
Engineers apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve problems in various fields. Companies in areas such as construction, technology, and manufacturing need engineers for design and implementation. This role often provides attractive salaries and diverse work environments.
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Marketing Manager
Average Salary: $120,187
Marketing managers develop strategies to promote products and services effectively. Organizations across industries depend on skilled marketers to understand consumer behavior and drive sales. This position blends creativity with analysis, resulting in appealing opportunities and compensation.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $44,757
This role involves assisting customers and ensuring their needs are met. Many local restaurants and cafes, such as Clover Food Lab, hire service team members to provide excellent customer service. The position allows individuals to develop communication skills and work in a lively environment.
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Server
Average Salary: $44,136
Serving food and beverages to customers is the main focus of this position. Popular establishments like The Capital Grille and Legal Sea Foods often look for friendly servers to enhance the dining experience. This job helps build strong interpersonal skills while working in a fast-paced setting.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,250
Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in restaurants. Places like Henrietta's Table frequently seek skilled line cooks to maintain their high food standards. This role offers opportunities to express creativity and learn culinary techniques.
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Bar Back
Average Salary: $41,030
Supporting bartenders by restocking supplies and maintaining cleanliness defines this role. Bars and pubs, such as TITS BBQ & Beer Garden, often rely on bar backs to keep operations running smoothly. This position can lead to future opportunities in bartending or management.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $40,686
Server assistants help servers by bringing food and drinks to customers. Establishments such as The Thirsty Scholar find this role crucial for efficiency during busy hours. This job contributes to team dynamics and enhances customer satisfaction.
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Barista
Average Salary: $39,754
Making and serving coffee drinks is central to this position. Local favorite cafes like Crema Cafe often hire baristas to create a welcoming atmosphere. This role offers a chance to learn about different coffee styles and customer preferences.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $39,674
Housekeepers maintain cleanliness and order in various facilities. Hotels in Cambridge, such as The Charles Hotel, depend on effective housekeeping staff to ensure guest satisfaction. This position offers a steady workflow with opportunities for advancement.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $38,571
Assisting in recreational activities defines this role. Community centers and parks often hire recreation assistants to support youth programs and events. This position allows individuals to engage with the community and promote fun activities.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $37,062
Food service aides support kitchen staff by preparing food and cleaning. Many healthcare facilities in the area employ food service aides to ensure patients receive proper nutrition. This role provides a pathway into culinary arts or nutrition.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $35,743
Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment is the primary task. Restaurants throughout the area, like Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe, rely on dishwashers to maintain a tidy kitchen. This often leads to opportunities in food preparation or cooking.
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HubSpot
Average Salary: $175,695
HubSpot is a leader in marketing and sales software, helping businesses grow through innovative tools.
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Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Average Salary: $166,794
Takeda focuses on improving the health of patients worldwide with a strong commitment to effective medicines.
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Novartis
Average Salary: $163,851
Novartis is a healthcare company that provides solutions to address some of society's toughest health challenges.
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IPSEN
Average Salary: $158,545
IPSEN specializes in rare diseases and innovative medicines that contribute to patient care.
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IBM
Average Salary: $152,276
IBM is a technology and consulting company that supports businesses with advanced solutions and services.
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Philips
Average Salary: $145,856
Philips offers healthcare technology and services aimed at enhancing people's lives through innovation.
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Sarepta Therapeutics
Average Salary: $142,511
Sarepta is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision medicines for rare diseases.
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Pfizer
Average Salary: $141,150
Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical leader producing medicines and vaccines to improve health outcomes.
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Biogen
Average Salary: $136,166
Biogen develops therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, improving patients' lives.
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GSK
Average Salary: $131,271
GSK is a science-led global healthcare company helping people do more, feel better, and live longer.

The cost of living in Cambridge, MA is notably higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. When we examine the housing expenses, they stand out the most, with a significant index of 176. This indicates that housing in Cambridge costs 76% more than the national average. For professionals seeking to settle in this vibrant city, budgeting for housing should be a priority.
Other living expenses in Cambridge also exceed the average. Grocery prices are 30% higher, reflected in an index of 130. Transportation costs, at 116, are 16% above the national average. Healthcare expenses and utilities also contribute to the higher cost of living, with indices of 112 and 104, respectively. Miscellaneous costs, which include items such as clothing and personal care, rise to 140, making them 40% higher than in other parts of the country. Overall, those considering a move to Cambridge should prepare for a lifestyle that demands greater financial investment.
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