Construction & Real Estate Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Architect Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median architect salary in Cambridge, MA is $132,544 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$132,544
vs State Avg
+$20,710
vs National
+$49,704
Cost of Living
160%

Architect Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median architect salary of $132,544, which is $20,710 above the Massachusetts state average of $111,834. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $132,544 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for architects in Cambridge spans from $80,000 at the 10th percentile to $236,800 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,200, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level architect earns around $83,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,200
+$31,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,000
+$51,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,000
+$84,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $80,000
25th Percentile $102,400
Median (50th) $132,544
75th Percentile $179,200
90th Percentile $236,800

Architect Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$125,917
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$91,124
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$86,982
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$81,183
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Architect in Cambridge

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Cambridge and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open architect positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Architect make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median architect salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $132,544 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $80,000 (10th percentile) to $236,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $132,544, a architect in Cambridge earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for architect pay? ▼
Cambridge's median architect salary of $132,544 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $111,834. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $132,544 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Cambridge? ▼
Most architect positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.