Lawyer Salary in Cambridge, MA: $187,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Cambridge, MA earns a median $187,384/year (≈ $90.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $172,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 45.5% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lawyers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can expect a robust median annual salary of $187,384 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median by 12.09%. With a salary range spanning from $108,683 at the 10th percentile to $290,445 at the 90th percentile, earning potential is distinctly affected by the type of firm and market segment. Those navigating the BigLaw environment can anticipate higher compensation levels, reflective of the intense workloads typically associated with these firms. Conversely, smaller regional or boutique firms and public sector roles tend to offer lower salaries, albeit with often more manageable work-life balances. As the market continues to evolve, Cambridge's legal landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, revealing a clear stratification in pay based on firm size and type.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($182,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,683 | $52.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $134,916 | $64.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $187,384 | $90.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $239,851 | $115.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $290,445 | $139.64 |
Median Salary Position
12.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $181,762 (2026 est.). At $187,384, the local median is 12.09% above the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Lawyer Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $187,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $128,786 | +45.50% more |
| National Average | $167,174 | +12.09% more |
Lawyers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $187,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% higher than the national median of $167,174 and 45.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $128,786.
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 $187,384 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $172,704 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,824
2025 BLS Actual
$178,972
2026 Current Est.
$187,384
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $194,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $178,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,191 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $137,824 (2019) to $178,972 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $196,191 by 2027 — a total increase of $58,367 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 4.70% CAGR derived from 7-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) | $108,683 – $134,916 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $134,916 – $187,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $187,384 – $239,851 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $239,851 – $290,445 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Cambridge
With 22 lawyers currently employed in the area, the legal job market in Cambridge is relatively tight, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for those entering the profession. The cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, meaning a higher-than-average expense for residents. Effective take-home pay may be influenced by factors such as firm tier, with BigLaw positions generally offering top salaries but requiring long billable hours, typically between 1,800 and 2,400 per year. Those who pursue in-house roles often find a better work-life balance but with slower salary growth compared to their peers in private practice. Public sector positions may present the least financial incentive but can lead to student loan forgiveness options. For legal professionals aiming to maximize their lawyer pay in Cambridge, targeting larger firms, seeking partnership opportunities, or leveraging billable hours and bonuses can significantly impact overall earnings potential.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
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 $178,972 for lawyersin the Cambridge metropolitan area. A 4.70% 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 4.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov