Electrical Engineer Salary in Cambridge, MA: $130,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Cambridge, MA earns a median $130,121/year (≈ $62.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $119,927 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Cambridge, Massachusetts can expect a median annual salary of $130,121, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $125,033. This salary range spans from $77,925 at the 10th percentile to $199,984 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a spectrum of pay based on experience, industry, and expertise. The figures are local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting Cambridge's unique job market dynamics. Notably, the semiconductor and chip design sectors tend to offer higher salaries, often surpassing those in utility power systems and defense roles, which are also prevalent in the area due to nearby defense contractors.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,925 | $37.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,889 | $46.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,121 | $62.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,547 | $79.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,984 | $96.15 |
Median Salary Position
4.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,059 (2026 est.). At $130,121, the local median is 4.07% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $130,121/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $123,455 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +4.07% more |
Electrical Engineers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $130,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 5.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $123,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,121 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,927 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,540
2025 BLS Actual
$125,539
2026 Current Est.
$130,121
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,933 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,525 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,198 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,871 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $102,540 (2019) to $125,539 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,871 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,331 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,925 – $95,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,889 – $130,121 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,121 – $165,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,547 – $199,984 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Cambridge
Cambridge's job market for electrical engineers includes around 22 professionals currently employed in the field, indicative of the city's stable demand for engineering talent. However, with a cost-of-living index of 108.5, which is higher than the national average, engineers must consider how this impacts their purchasing power. Companies like Apple, Intel, Nvidia, and AMD dominate the semiconductor space, often providing the most lucrative options. Defense firms such as Raytheon and Northrop Grumman also offer premium compensation for cleared positions. Variability in electrical engineer pay in Cambridge stems from factors like industry specialization, security clearance premiums, and educational achievements such as PhDs versus bachelor's degrees. Those who strategically pursue opportunities in high-demand tech roles or secure advanced credentials can significantly enhance their earnings potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $125,539 for electrical engineersin the Cambridge metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov