Science & Research Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Chemist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median chemist salary in Cambridge, MA is $132,464 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$132,464
vs State Avg
+$20,697
vs National
+$49,674
Cost of Living
160%

Chemist Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median chemist salary of $132,464, which is $20,697 above the Massachusetts state average of $111,767. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $132,464 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Cambridge spans from $76,800 at the 10th percentile to $227,200 at the 90th percentile — a $150,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $216,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level chemist earns around $80,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $216,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,000
+$30,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
+$50,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$216,000
+$81,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $76,800
25th Percentile $99,200
Median (50th) $132,464
75th Percentile $174,400
90th Percentile $227,200

Chemist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$125,841
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$91,069
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$86,930
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$81,134
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Chemist in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open chemist positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Chemist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $132,464 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $76,800 (10th percentile) to $227,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $132,464, a chemist 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 chemist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median chemist salary of $132,464 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $111,767. 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 chemist salary of $132,464 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Cambridge? ▼
Most chemist positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.