In Boston, MA, Mechanical Engineers earn a median of $108,959 a year - about 20% above the U.S. median of $91,000. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #9.
What that pay is worth in Boston
Local prices run 108 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $108,959 salary buys less than it looks - about $100,640 in national-average buying power.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Boston?
A typical Boston home runs about $710,400 - 6.5 times the average Mechanical Engineer salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,093/mo takes roughly 23% of gross pay - within the 30% comfort line.
The Mechanical Engineer pay ladder in Boston
Entry-level (10th percentile) Mechanical Engineers earn about $62,544; the top 10% reach $141,448 - a $78,904 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
Compare Boston with other cities
See the full Mechanical Engineer salary by city ranking to weigh Boston against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in Boston?
The average Mechanical Engineer in Boston, MA earns about $108,959 per year, 19.7% above the national average of $91,000.
What is the take-home pay for Mechanical Engineers in Boston after taxes?
After federal and MA taxes, this $108,959 salary is worth about $80,034 a year - roughly $6,669 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 27%.
What do the highest-paid Mechanical Engineers earn in Boston?
The top 10% of Mechanical Engineers in Boston earn about $141,448 a year, versus about $62,544 for the bottom 10%.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Boston?
A typical Boston home runs about $710,400 - roughly 6.5x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.