Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Arlington, MA: $53.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Arlington, MA runs $53.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,420 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,251 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mechanical engineers in Arlington, Massachusetts, enjoy a median hourly rate of $53.09, which slightly exceeds the national hourly median of $51.51. This competitive pay reflects the area’s focus on sectors such as tech, aerospace, and automotive engineering, with roles often centered around CAD workstations like SolidWorks and NX, as well as hands-on responsibilities in manufacturing plants and HVAC systems. For part-time mechanical engineers working three days a week, the pay can be lucrative, while entry-level positions typically start at an hourly rate of $38.27, gradually increasing to $79.11 for top-tier earners. These hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, giving a clear picture of the financial landscape for both new and experienced professionals in Arlington.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.27 | $306.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.69 | $341.53 |
| Median (P50) | $53.09 | $424.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.64 | $533.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.11 | $632.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $53.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.09/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, MA can expect to earn approximately $110,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,703. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,123.45 | $9,202 | $110,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,274.07 | $5,521 | $66,251 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $849.38 | $3,681 | $44,168 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Arlington) | $53.09 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Arlington, MA earn a median of $110,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.05% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $112,101.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.09/hr = $66,251/year (purchasing power: $61,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,419/year (purchasing power: $101,769).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Arlington grew 17.7% from $43.81/hr (2019) to $51.58/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Arlington
When dissecting the potential earnings of a part-time mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week, one can see the difference in annual income compared to a full-time schedule. An engineer working part-time can expect to earn about $66,000 annually, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. On the other hand, per diem mechanical engineer pay in Arlington can be impressive, with rates ranging from $90 to $160 per hour for contract work, climbing even higher for specialized positions or security-cleared aerospace contracts. Employers in the automotive and aerospace sectors, like Tesla and Boeing, offer varied rates reflecting industry demands, while firms like Raytheon mature the contract side of engineering. Mechanical engineers considering whether to accept a lower hourly wage for full-time positions with benefits or aim for higher rates without perks must weigh the trade-offs carefully. Negotiation strategies in Arlington may include emphasizing local industry experience or specialized skills, particularly when discussing hourly compensation within high-demand sectors.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Arlington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov