EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$184,419/yr
Typical range: $163,584 – $196,316
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Mechanical Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Mechanical Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $93,546 | $7,796 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $113,591 | $9,466 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,955 | $10,580 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $143,793 | $11,983 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $184,419 | $15,368 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $216,492 | $18,041 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $224,510 | $18,709 | +140% |
Current Salary
$184,419
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$216,492
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Mechanical Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Mechanical Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $184K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $184K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Mechanical Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Mechanical Engineer in Boston, MA earns $164K–$196K/yr.