Technology Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Systems Administrator Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median systems administrator salary in Cambridge, MA is $144,177 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 17.2% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$144,177
vs State Avg
+$21,202
vs National
+$59,367
Cost of Living
160%

Systems Administrator Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median systems administrator salary of $144,177, which is $21,202 above the Massachusetts state average of $122,975. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $144,177 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $90,111. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for systems administrators in Cambridge spans from $88,400 at the 10th percentile to $224,400 at the 90th percentile — a $136,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,500, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $212,500. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $93,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$93,500
+$38,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$146,200
+$60,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$212,500
+$87,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $88,400
25th Percentile $113,900
Median (50th) $144,177
75th Percentile $183,600
90th Percentile $224,400

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$137,392
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$101,772
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$97,532
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$91,595
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Cambridge

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open systems administrator positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $144,177 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $88,400 (10th percentile) to $224,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,177, a systems administrator in Cambridge earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Cambridge's median systems administrator salary of $144,177 is 17.2% above the Massachusetts state average of $122,975. 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 systems administrator salary of $144,177 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Cambridge? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Cambridge require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.