Cambridge vs Springfield: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Cambridge, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cambridge, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,121▲ | $117,467 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.56▲ | $56.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,925▲ | $77,779 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,889 | $96,426▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,547▲ | $148,385 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,984▲ | $168,763 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Cambridge, MA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Cambridge and Springfield is $12,654 (10.77%). Cambridge's median is +4.07% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cambridge spans $122,059,Springfield spans $90,984. Cambridge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($122,284 effective) pays 1.96% 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 Cambridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,121/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,984)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,284)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Cambridge grew -11.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cambridge, MA
$141,198 (2024) → $125,539 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$104,020 (2019) → $113,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cambridge, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Cambridge or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cambridge and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cambridge to Springfield as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Cambridge vs Springfield?
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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