Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $52.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Waltham, MA runs $52.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,442 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, mechanical engineer hourly pay reaches a median of $52.44, slightly above the national figure of $51.51 per hour. This rate benefits various workers, including part-time engineers who might choose to work three days a week, earning substantial income even with a reduced schedule. Typical environments for mechanical engineers in Waltham include tech firms, aerospace companies, and HVAC systems, offering roles that often utilize advanced CAD tools like SolidWorks, NX, and CATIA. The hourly pay ranges from $38.12 at the entry-level to $81.28 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience levels and expertise found in manufacturing plants, aerospace testing facilities, and other specialized settings. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing insight into how hourly wages are structured in this profession.
About the Waltham 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) | $38.12 | $304.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.63 | $341.04 |
| Median (P50) | $52.44 | $419.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.12 | $537.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.28 | $650.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $52.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.44/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $109,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,925. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,097.51 | $9,089 | $109,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,258.51 | $5,454 | $65,442 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $839.00 | $3,636 | $43,628 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Waltham) | $52.44 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $109,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.80% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $112,100.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.44/hr = $65,442/year (purchasing power: $60,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,070/year (purchasing power: $100,526).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Waltham grew 17.7% from $43.28/hr (2019) to $50.95/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.97/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
For those considering part-time positions as mechanical engineers, working a 24-hour week could yield an annual take-home significantly lower than that of full-time workers, emphasizing the financial importance of full-time commitments in this field. Many engineers are opting for per-diem arrangements or contracting, where billing can range widely—$90 to $160 per hour for general roles and even higher for specialized positions; engineers in aerospace could earn $120 to $220 based on security clearances and expert witness roles demanding $300-$500 per hour. Employers in Waltham vary in pay structure; automotive firms like Tesla and Rivian might offer different rates compared to established defense contractors like Boeing or Raytheon. While higher pay rates can be tempting, they often come without benefits, pushing some to negotiate for lower hourly rates that include health insurance. Engineers looking to maximize their potential should focus on the regional market dynamics and align their negotiations accordingly.
More salary data for Waltham, 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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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