Retail & Sales Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Retail Manager Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median retail manager salary in Cambridge, MA is $80,640 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$80,640
vs State Avg
+$12,600
vs National
+$30,240
Cost of Living
160%

Retail Manager Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median retail manager salary of $80,640, which is $12,600 above the Massachusetts state average of $68,040. Compared to the national median of $50,400, 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 $80,640 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $50,400. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for retail managers in Cambridge spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $147,200 at the 90th percentile — a $99,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior retail managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Retail Manager Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level retail manager earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
+$19,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,000
+$51,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $60,800
Median (50th) $80,640
75th Percentile $112,000
90th Percentile $147,200

Retail Manager Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$76,608
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$55,440
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$52,920
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$49,392
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Retail Manager in Cambridge

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. Cambridge and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Retail Manager Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open retail manager positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Retail Manager make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median retail manager salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $80,640 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $147,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,640, a retail manager in Cambridge earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for retail manager pay? ▼
Cambridge's median retail manager salary of $80,640 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $68,040. 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 retail manager salary of $80,640 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a retail manager in Cambridge? ▼
Most retail manager positions in Cambridge require a high school diploma. Key skills include Retail Management, Sales, Inventory Management, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.