Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

College Professor Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median college professor salary in Cambridge, MA is $134,208 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$134,208
vs State Avg
+$20,970
vs National
+$50,328
Cost of Living
160%

College Professor Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median college professor salary of $134,208, which is $20,970 above the Massachusetts state average of $113,238. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $134,208 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in Cambridge spans from $72,000 at the 10th percentile to $268,800 at the 90th percentile — a $196,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,800, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $256,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level college professor earns around $76,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $256,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,800
+$28,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$137,600
+$51,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$256,000
+$96,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $96,000
Median (50th) $134,208
75th Percentile $192,000
90th Percentile $268,800

College Professor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$127,498
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$92,268
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$88,074
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$82,202
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a College Professor in Cambridge

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Cambridge and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor 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 College Professor Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open college professor positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Cambridge

How much does a College Professor make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $134,208 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $268,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,208, a college professor in Cambridge earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for college professor pay? ▼
Cambridge's median college professor salary of $134,208 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $113,238. 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 college professor salary of $134,208 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Cambridge? ▼
Most college professor positions in Cambridge require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.