Engineering Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Civil Engineer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median civil engineer salary in Cambridge, MA is $143,904 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$143,904
vs State Avg
+$22,485
vs National
+$53,964
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median civil engineer salary of $143,904, which is $22,485 above the Massachusetts state average of $121,419. Compared to the national median of $89,940, 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 $143,904 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for civil engineers in Cambridge spans from $96,640 at the 10th percentile to $221,760 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $99,200, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $208,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Civil Engineer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $99,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $208,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$99,200
+$37,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,000
+$54,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$208,000
+$78,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $96,640
25th Percentile $117,120
Median (50th) $143,904
75th Percentile $182,400
90th Percentile $221,760

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$136,709
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$98,934
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$94,437
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$88,141
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer 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 Civil Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open civil engineer positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $143,904 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $96,640 (10th percentile) to $221,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,904, a civil engineer in Cambridge earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median civil engineer salary of $143,904 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $121,419. 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 civil engineer salary of $143,904 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Cambridge? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.