Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cambridge, MA: $119,851 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Cambridge, MA earns a median $119,851/year (≈ $57.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $110,462 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual mechanical engineer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is projected to reach $119,851, reflecting a strong demand for engineering professionals within the region. The salary range spans from $80,717 at the 10th percentile to $185,770 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant earning potential across various sectors. This estimate, derived from 2025 BLS data with adjustments for regional pricing, underscores Cambridge's competitive market, particularly driven by industries like aerospace and automotive. In this city, firms such as SpaceX and Tesla reshape compensation paradigms, pushing up salaries as they seek top engineering talent.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,717 | $38.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,895 | $44.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,851 | $57.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,162 | $73.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,770 | $89.31 |
Median Salary Position
11.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,053 (2026 est.). At $119,851, the local median is 11.85% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $119,851/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $112,115 | +6.90% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +11.85% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $119,851 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.85% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 6.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $112,115.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,851 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,462 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,912
2025 BLS Actual
$116,451
2026 Current Est.
$119,851
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,597 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,306 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,451 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,851 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $98,912 (2019) to $116,451 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,439 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,717 – $92,895 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,895 – $119,851 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,851 – $153,162 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,162 – $185,770 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Cambridge
The local job market for mechanical engineers in Cambridge is robust, with 22 professionals currently employed in this sector. However, the cost of living in the city, reflected by a cost of living index of 108.5, presents a challenge for take-home purchasing power. Companies in the aerospace sector, such as Boeing and Raytheon, tend to offer the most lucrative packages, especially for roles that require security clearances or specialized licensure like PE. Meanwhile, automotive leaders like Tesla and Rivian follow closely, using stock options to attract talent. Strategies to maximize salary potential in this competitive environment include pursuing advanced credentials and considering positions that offer equity compensation, particularly in tech-adjacent firms like Apple. With the evolving landscape in engineering, understanding which sectors drive salary disparities can position candidates favorably in Cambridge's job market.
More salary data for Cambridge, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $116,451 for mechanical engineersin the Cambridge metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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