💻 Software Developer Salary
Software Developer Salary in Cambridge, MA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$154,840
in Cambridge · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$140,263
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#22
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Cambridge
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Cambridge, MA is $154,840 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $12,903/month or $74/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Cambridge pays 15% more than the typical city.
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 110.4 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $154,840 in Cambridge is equivalent to $140,263 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Cambridge metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| Rank | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Cambridge
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $115,710 |
| 📚Elementary School Teacher | $85,910 |
| ⚡Electrician | $83,410 |
| 📊Accountant | $103,570 |
Full cost of living profile for Cambridge
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Cambridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Cambridge?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Cambridge, MA is $154,840 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Cambridge Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Cambridge Software Developer pay ($154,840) is 15% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Cambridge?
Yes. Cambridge has a cost of living index of 110.4 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $154,840 salary in Cambridge has the purchasing power of approximately $140,263 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology