Boston vs Cambridge: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,304▲ | $130,121 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.09▲ | $62.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,676▲ | $77,925 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,681▲ | $95,889 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,675▲ | $165,547 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,911 | $199,984▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,030▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cambridge.
The salary gap between Boston and Cambridge is $3,183 (2.45%). Boston's median is +6.62% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $101,235,Cambridge spans $122,059. Cambridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($123,126 effective) pays 2.67% more than Cambridge ($119,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,304/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,126)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Cambridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,984)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Boston grew 10.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.1% growth in Cambridge over the same period.
Boston, MA
$115,980 (2019) → $128,610 (2025)
Cambridge, MA
$141,198 (2024) → $125,539 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Boston or Cambridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Cambridge?
Should I relocate from Boston to Cambridge as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Boston vs Cambridge?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov