Business & Finance Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Economist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median economist salary in Cambridge, MA is $190,280 per year, which is 67.0% above the national median and 17.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$190,280
vs State Avg
+$28,485
vs National
+$76,340
Cost of Living
160%

Economist Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median economist salary of $190,280, which is $28,485 above the Massachusetts state average of $161,795. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $190,280 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $118,925. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Cambridge spans from $103,540 at the 10th percentile to $330,660 at the 90th percentile — a $227,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,550, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $308,950. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level economist earns around $108,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $308,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$108,550
+$43,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$192,050
+$77,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$308,950
+$123,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $103,540
25th Percentile $136,940
Median (50th) $190,280
75th Percentile $258,850
90th Percentile $330,660

Economist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$181,165
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$133,310
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$127,613
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$119,637
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Economist in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open economist positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Economist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median economist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $190,280 per year, which is 67.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $103,540 (10th percentile) to $330,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $190,280, a economist in Cambridge earns approximately $91 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for economist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median economist salary of $190,280 is 17.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $161,795. 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 economist salary of $190,280 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Cambridge? ▼
Most economist positions in Cambridge require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.