Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $54.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Somerville, MA runs $54.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the mechanical engineer hourly pay stands at an impressive $54.63, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $51.51 by 6.04%. This competitive pay reflects the city's vibrant tech and engineering sectors, where professionals often work within sophisticated environments such as aerospace test ranges, automotive workshops, and HVAC project sites. For part-time engineers working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for considerable earnings, translating into substantial per-diem compensation in typical mechanical engineering roles. The hourly compensation in Somerville spans a wide spectrum, with entry-level positions starting at around $38.92, while top earners can command rates up to $84.67, providing opportunities across various departmental settings and types of engagement, from project-based to direct employment.
About the Somerville 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) | $38.92 | $311.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.81 | $350.50 |
| Median (P50) | $54.63 | $437.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.98 | $551.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.67 | $677.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $54.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.63/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $113,630 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,556. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,185.20 | $9,469 | $113,630 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,311.12 | $5,682 | $68,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $874.08 | $3,788 | $45,452 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Somerville) | $54.63 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $113,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $112,051.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.63/hr = $68,178/year (purchasing power: $62,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,630/year (purchasing power: $104,728).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Somerville grew 17.7% from $45.09/hr (2019) to $53.08/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.23/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Calculating potential earnings for a part-time mechanical engineer in Somerville reveals substantial financial advantages over a full-time role. A three-day work week (about 24 hours) could yield approximately $66,400 annually. Conversely, those opting for per-diem or contract positions often see even greater hourly compensation, with rates between $90 and $160 for general work, and specialists, particularly in HVAC or aerospace, enjoying billing between $100 and $220 per hour. The variation in hourly rates depends largely on employer type; automotive giants like Tesla or Rivian and aerospace leaders such as Boeing and Raytheon may offer differing pay levels, with some positions carrying premiums for security clearances. Engineers must weigh the benefits of higher hourly compensation against the stability and health insurance often offered in traditional settings. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market demands, industry standards, and specific employer needs can provide leverage to secure better rates.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Somerville in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Somerville?
Are mechanical engineers in Somerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Somerville?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Somerville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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