Industrial Designer Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, Massachusetts$126,000 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Industrial Designer Jobs in Cambridge

Looking for a Industrial Designer job in Cambridge? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Industrial Designer in Cambridge, MA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Cambridge has a strong job market for Industrial Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Industrial Designer Salary in Cambridge

Entry Level
$78,540
Median
$126,000
Senior Level
$183,540

Industrial Designer salaries in Cambridge are 68% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

3D ModelingPrototypingUser ResearchManufacturing KnowledgeSketching

Industrial Designer Job Market in Cambridge

Cambridge, MA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Industrial Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Cambridge offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Industrial Designer roles across various sectors. The market for Industrial Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Industrial Designers in Cambridge

City of CambridgeMBTAMIT

Major employers hiring Industrial Designers in Cambridge include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Industrial Designers in Cambridge

Living in Cambridge as a Industrial Designer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month (61% above the national average of $1,800). Housing costs are manageable for Industrial Designer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $2,200/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

168
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Industrial Designer in Cambridge

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Industrial Designers in Cambridge: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Industrial Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Industrial Designers

The job outlook for Industrial Designers in Cambridge is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Cambridge offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include 3D Modeling, Prototyping, User Research, Manufacturing Knowledge.

Relocating to Cambridge

Cambridge has a very high cost of living. Many Industrial Designers negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Industrial Designer salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average Industrial Designer salary in Cambridge, MA is $126,000 per year. Entry-level Industrial Designers typically start around $78,540, while experienced professionals can earn $183,540 or more. The national average for Industrial Designer roles is $75,000.

How many Industrial Designer jobs are available in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Industrial Designer professionals. Major employers hiring Industrial Designers include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Cambridge a good city for Industrial Designers?

Cambridge is an excellent choice for Industrial Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Industrial Designers in Cambridge?

Top skills for Industrial Designers in Cambridge include 3D Modeling, Prototyping, User Research, Manufacturing Knowledge, Sketching. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Relevant certifications like IDSA membership can strengthen your candidacy.

What is the cost of living for Industrial Designers in Cambridge?

Cambridge's cost of living is significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month. Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Industrial Designers in Cambridge?

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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