Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Social Worker Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median social worker salary in Cambridge, MA is $88,560 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$88,560
vs State Avg
+$13,837
vs National
+$33,210
Cost of Living
160%

Social Worker Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median social worker salary of $88,560, which is $13,837 above the Massachusetts state average of $74,723. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $88,560 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for social workers in Cambridge spans from $58,240 at the 10th percentile to $140,480 at the 90th percentile — a $82,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,200. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level social worker earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$22,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,600
+$33,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,200
+$49,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $58,240
25th Percentile $70,720
Median (50th) $88,560
75th Percentile $112,640
90th Percentile $140,480

Social Worker Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$84,132
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$60,885
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$58,118
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$54,243
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Social Worker in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open social worker positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Social Worker make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $88,560 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $58,240 (10th percentile) to $140,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,560, a social worker 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 social worker pay? ▼
Cambridge's median social worker salary of $88,560 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $74,723. 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 social worker salary of $88,560 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Cambridge? ▼
Most social worker positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.