Engineering Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median mechanical engineer salary in Boston, MA is $146,391 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$146,391
vs State Avg
+$16,372
vs National
+$50,081
Cost of Living
152%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $146,391, which is $16,372 above the Massachusetts state average of $130,019. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $146,391 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,310. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Boston spans from $96,368 at the 10th percentile to $222,224 at the 90th percentile — a $125,856 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,800, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,760. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $98,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,920
+$49,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,760
+$71,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $96,368
25th Percentile $119,776
Median (50th) $146,391
75th Percentile $181,792
90th Percentile $222,224

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$154,096
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$105,941
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$101,126
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$94,384
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Boston

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Boston

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Boston

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $146,391 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $96,368 (10th percentile) to $222,224 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,391, a mechanical engineer in Boston earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Boston's median mechanical engineer salary of $146,391 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $130,019. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $146,391 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Boston? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Boston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.