Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $52.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Lawrence, MA runs $52.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,313 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,584 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $52.55, surpassing the national hourly median of $51.51. This rate offers substantial income potential for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. A three-day work week would yield approximately $4,204 monthly, allowing for competitive pay while still accommodating various personal commitments or additional freelance opportunities. For entry-level engineers, hourly pay starts around $38.39, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $81.46, with specialized roles typically anchoring closer to the upper end of this spectrum. Hourly rates within this profession are inferred from annual salary data, showcasing the fluctuating remuneration based on experience and expertise.
About the Lawrence 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) | $38.39 | $307.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.86 | $342.85 |
| Median (P50) | $52.55 | $420.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.27 | $538.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.46 | $651.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $52.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.55/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $109,306 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,061. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,102.04 | $9,109 | $109,306 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,261.22 | $5,465 | $65,584 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $840.82 | $3,644 | $43,722 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Lawrence) | $52.55 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $109,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.02% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $112,116.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.55/hr = $65,584/year (purchasing power: $60,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,306/year (purchasing power: $100,743).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Lawrence grew 17.7% from $43.37/hr (2019) to $51.06/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.09/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Looking deeper into the earnings landscape, part-time mechanical engineers in Lawrence can promote flexibility by working a 24-hour week, while still achieving significant income compared to full-time positions. Those who engage in per-diem mechanical engineer roles can often bill rates ranging from $90 to $160 per hour, depending on their specialization. Aerospace engineers, especially in security-cleared roles, may find opportunities that push hourly earnings up to between $120 and $220. Employers across different sectors—including automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian, aerospace firms like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and HVAC specialties—each present unique pay scales reflective of the industry's demands. While some engineers opt for lower hourly pay positions with benefits, others pursue higher pay rates without health insurance. Understanding the market and leveraging skills for negotiation can greatly influence compensation, ensuring that professionals get the most out of their hourly work in this dynamic environment in Lawrence, MA.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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