ScienceUpdated Q1 2026

Biochemist Salary
in Cambridge, MA

Study the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. Median salary in Cambridge: $163K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$163K
per year
Take-home: $107K

Salary range in Cambridge

Entry level (25th)$115,000
Median (50th)$163,000
Senior (75th)$226,000
Top earner (90th)$300,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Cambridge

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

85% premium vs national median

Biochemists in Cambridge earn approximately 85% higher than the US national median for this role — a $75,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Cambridge's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 36% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Cambridge ($3,200/mo) consumes approximately 36% of an after-tax median Biochemist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($226K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Cambridge

Median salary
$163K
annual
Take-home pay
$107K
after fed/state tax
COL index
185
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$3,200
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cambridge Biochemist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $163K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Cambridge

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Biochemist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$137K$149K$161K$172K$184K201920212023202520272029
2026
$167K
projected
2027
$171K
projected
2028
$176K
projected
2029
$180K
projected
2030
$184K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$163,000+$0
2028 projected$163,000+$0
2029 projected$163,000+$0
2030 projected$163,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Biochemist Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Biochemist salary in Cambridge, MA is $163,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cambridge–MA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Biochemist in Cambridge

Entry-level Biochemists in Cambridge with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $115,000 and $163,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $163,000 to $226,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $226,000 to $300,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cambridge for Biochemists

Cambridge has a cost of living index of 185 compared to the US national average of 100. Cambridge's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Massachusetts has a 5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Biochemist

Bachelor's or PhD in Biochemistry. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Biochemist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cambridge (current)$163K185
Boston$119K162
Worcester$104K120
Springfield$92K105
Lowell$104K118