Business & Finance Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Human Resources Manager Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median human resources manager salary in Cambridge, MA is $217,100 per year, which is 67.0% above the national median and 17.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$217,100
vs State Avg
+$32,500
vs National
+$87,100
Cost of Living
160%

Human Resources Manager Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median human resources manager salary of $217,100, which is $32,500 above the Massachusetts state average of $184,600. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 $217,100 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $135,688. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for human resources managers in Cambridge spans from $130,594 at the 10th percentile to $347,360 at the 90th percentile — a $216,766 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,550, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $275,550. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $108,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $275,550 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)
$175,350
+$70,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$275,550
+$110,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $130,594
25th Percentile $168,670
Median (50th) $217,100
75th Percentile $278,890
90th Percentile $347,360

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$206,700
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$152,100
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$145,600
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$136,500
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager 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 Human Resources Manager Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open human resources manager positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $217,100 per year, which is 67.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $130,594 (10th percentile) to $347,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $217,100, a human resources manager in Cambridge earns approximately $104 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
Cambridge's median human resources manager salary of $217,100 is 17.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $184,600. 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 human resources manager salary of $217,100 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in Cambridge? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.