Cambridge vs Worcester: Database Administrator Salary (2026)
Compare database administrator salaries between Cambridge, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cambridge, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,767▲ | $105,672 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.35▲ | $50.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,425▲ | $60,933 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,979▲ | $78,627 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,663▲ | $139,713 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,239▲ | $157,396 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Cambridge, MA offers better overall compensation for database administrators, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between Cambridge and Worcester is $26,095 (24.69%). Cambridge's median is +23.50% compared to the US national median of $106,691.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cambridge spans $127,814,Worcester spans $96,463. 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, Cambridge ($121,444 effective) pays 17.83% more than Worcester ($103,072 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 ($131,767/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,239)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,444)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, database administrator salaries in Cambridge grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Cambridge, MA
$133,710 (2024) → $129,209 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$80,050 (2021) → $103,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cambridge, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays database administrators more: Cambridge or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cambridge and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Cambridge to Worcester as a database administrator?
What do entry-level database administrators earn in Cambridge vs Worcester?
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Written by Amina Khan, MS, DBA
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in database management. She specializes in relational database systems. Amina works in a technology consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.98% 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 Khan, MS, DBA, a licensed database administrator with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov