Engineering Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Chemical Engineer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median chemical engineer salary in Cambridge, MA is $170,016 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$170,016
vs State Avg
+$26,565
vs National
+$63,756
Cost of Living
160%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median chemical engineer salary of $170,016, which is $26,565 above the Massachusetts state average of $143,451. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $170,016 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,260. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Cambridge spans from $108,800 at the 10th percentile to $275,200 at the 90th percentile — a $166,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $112,000, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $259,200. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $112,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $259,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$112,000
+$42,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$172,800
+$64,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$259,200
+$97,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $108,800
25th Percentile $134,400
Median (50th) $170,016
75th Percentile $220,800
90th Percentile $275,200

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$161,515
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$116,886
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$111,573
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$104,135
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $170,016 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $108,800 (10th percentile) to $275,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $170,016, a chemical engineer in Cambridge earns approximately $82 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median chemical engineer salary of $170,016 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $143,451. 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 chemical engineer salary of $170,016 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Cambridge? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.