Mechanical Engineer Salary in Lexington, MA: $107,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Lexington, MA earns a median $107,296/year (≈ $51.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $98,890 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median annual salary of $107,296 in 2026, mechanical engineers in Lexington, Massachusetts, can anticipate competitive compensation within the local market. The salary range is broad, extending from $80,658 at the 10th percentile to $164,330 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities depending on experience, specialization, and industry. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differentials, reflecting the area’s unique economic landscape. Additionally, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license can enhance earning potential significantly, particularly in HVAC and building systems, which are crucial sectors in Lexington’s job market.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,658 | $38.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,066 | $42.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,296 | $51.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,074 | $64.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,330 | $79.00 |
Median Salary Position
0.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, MA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,672 (2026 est.). At $107,296, the local median is 0.14% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Lexington median: $107,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $112,117 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +0.14% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Lexington, MA earn a median of $107,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $112,117.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,296 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,890 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,551
2025 BLS Actual
$104,252
2026 Current Est.
$107,296
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,551 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,283 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,429 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $88,551 (2019) to $104,252 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,429 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,878 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $80,658 – $89,066 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,066 – $107,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,296 – $135,074 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,074 – $164,330 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Lexington
Examining the job market in Lexington, there are currently six mechanical engineers employed locally, suggesting a tightly-knit professional community. The cost of living index in the area stands at 108.5, which slightly raises the threshold for salary expectations when considering purchasing power. Major employers such as Raytheon and SpaceX, prominent in the aerospace and defense sectors, offer some of the highest salaries, particularly for roles that may require security clearance or advanced technical expertise. The disparity in compensation arises from numerous factors including industry dynamics—where aerospace positions tend to command higher salaries than automotive roles at traditional manufacturers like Ford or GM—and the potential premium associated with a PE license in HVAC. For those navigating their careers in Lexington, focusing on core sectors such as aerospace, seeking roles requiring specializations like PE licensure, or targeting tech-forward companies like Apple could lead to maximizing compensation in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Lexington, 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 $104,252 for mechanical engineersin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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