Engineering Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median mechanical engineer salary in Cambridge, MA is $154,096 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$154,096
vs State Avg
+$24,077
vs National
+$57,786
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $154,096, which is $24,077 above the Massachusetts state average of $130,019. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $154,096 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,310. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Cambridge spans from $101,440 at the 10th percentile to $233,920 at the 90th percentile — a $132,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,000, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $220,800. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $104,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,000
+$39,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,600
+$57,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$220,800
+$82,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $101,440
25th Percentile $126,080
Median (50th) $154,096
75th Percentile $191,360
90th Percentile $233,920

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$146,391
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Cambridge 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 Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $154,096 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $101,440 (10th percentile) to $233,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $154,096, a mechanical engineer in Cambridge earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median mechanical engineer salary of $154,096 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $130,019. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $154,096 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Cambridge? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Cambridge 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.