Data Analyst Salary in Cambridge, MA: $86,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time data analyst in Cambridge, MA earns a median $86,183/year (≈ $41.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2051). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $79,431 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In the competitive environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts, data analysts can expect a median annual salary of $86,183 in 2026, which is approximately 7.20% higher than the national median of $80,394. Salary ranges for data analyst positions in the area vary significantly, with entry-level pay at $49,986 and potential earnings reaching up to $133,584 for those in senior roles. These figures underscore the distinct compensation landscape driven by a mix of local demand and the presence of leading tech companies and innovative startups. Particularly for analysts working within FAANG companies and prominent AI-focused firms, the total compensation package can be substantially higher, considering stock options and bonuses that often make up a significant part of their overall earnings.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,986 | $24.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,052 | $29.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,183 | $41.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,315 | $53.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,584 | $64.22 |
Median Salary Position
7.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the data analyst salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,598 (2026 est.). At $86,183, the local median is 7.2% above the national median of $80,394.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Data Analyst Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $86,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $81,846 | +5.30% more |
| National Average | $80,394 | +7.20% more |
Data Analysts in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $86,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.20% higher than the national median of $80,394 and 5.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $81,846.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,183 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,431 — a 7.83% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$69,233
2025 BLS Actual
$82,488
2026 Current Est.
$86,183
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Cambridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $69,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,488 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,044 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $69,233 (2021) to $82,488 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,044 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,811 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,986 – $62,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,052 – $86,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,183 – $110,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,315 – $133,584 |
DA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual data analyst compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Data Analyst Job Market in Cambridge
The job market for data analysts in Cambridge is solid, with 22 individuals currently employed in this role. However, with a cost of living index of 108.5, salaries may not stretch as far as they might in less expensive locales. The high cost of living necessitates a closer look at compensation breakdowns, especially among different industries. FAANG firms like Google and Meta typically offer the highest salaries, significantly boosted by RSUs, which may account for 50-70% of total compensation. This tiered compensation structure leads to disparities based on the employing company—FAANG and top-tier tech often rewarding data analysts with higher pay compared to traditional industries or smaller startups. Candidates could enhance their earning potential by focusing on skill specialties, such as machine learning engineering, or pursuing advanced degrees, which are frequently prerequisites for higher-level positions within elite firms.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data analysts make in Cambridge, MA in 2026?
Is Cambridge, MA a good place to work as a data analyst?
Can data analysts make $100K in Cambridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted data analyst salary in Cambridge?
How much does a data analyst make per hour in Cambridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,488 for data analystsin the Cambridge metropolitan area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov