Media & Communications Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Journalist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median journalist salary in Cambridge, MA is $89,536 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$89,536
vs State Avg
+$13,990
vs National
+$33,576
Cost of Living
160%

Journalist Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median journalist salary of $89,536, which is $13,990 above the Massachusetts state average of $75,546. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $89,536 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for journalists in Cambridge spans from $51,200 at the 10th percentile to $176,000 at the 90th percentile — a $124,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Journalist Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level journalist earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,800
+$34,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,000
+$60,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $51,200
25th Percentile $64,000
Median (50th) $89,536
75th Percentile $124,800
90th Percentile $176,000

Journalist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$85,059
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$61,556
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$58,758
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$54,841
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Journalist in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open journalist positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Journalist make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $89,536 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $51,200 (10th percentile) to $176,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,536, a journalist in Cambridge earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for journalist pay? ▼
Cambridge's median journalist salary of $89,536 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $75,546. 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 journalist salary of $89,536 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Cambridge? ▼
Most journalist positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.