Mechanical Engineer Salary

Brockton vs Worcester: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Brockton, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brockton, MA
$113,052
$54.35/hr
Worcester, MA
$112,440
$54.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrockton, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$113,052$112,440
Hourly Rate$54.35$54.06
Entry Level (P10)$74,492$76,727
25th Percentile$93,094$92,968
75th Percentile$144,708$137,275
Top Earner (P90)$175,232$168,717
Total Employed25660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brockton ($113,052) and Worcester ($112,440) mechanical engineer salaries.BrocktonWorcesterMedian Salary$113,052$112,440Entry Level (P10)$74,492$76,727Top Earner (P90)$175,232$168,717US Median $107,150

Verdict

Brockton, MA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.

The salary gap between Brockton and Worcester is $612 (0.54%). Brockton's median is +5.51% compared to the US national median of $107,150.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brockton spans $100,740,Worcester spans $91,990. Brockton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brockton
P10 (Entry)$74,492
P25$93,094
Median$113,052
P75$144,708
P90 (Top)$175,232
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$76,727
P25$92,968
Median$112,440
P75$137,275
P90 (Top)$168,717

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($109,673 effective) pays 5.26% more than Brockton ($104,195 effective).

Brockton
Nominal: $113,052
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $104,195
Worcester
Nominal: $112,440
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $109,673

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brockton if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,052/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($175,232)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Larger job market (660 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,673)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Brockton grew -14.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Brockton, MA

+-14.9%

$129,129 (2024) → $109,845 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+20.2%

$90,880 (2019) → $109,250 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Brockton or Worcester?

Brockton has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $113,052/year, compared to Worcester at $112,440/year — a difference of $612 (0.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brockton and Worcester?

Brockton mechanical engineers earn $54.35/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $54.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brockton to Worcester as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brockton and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brockton = $104,195, Worcester = $109,673), job availability (25 vs 660 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Brockton vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $74,492 in Brockton and $76,727 in Worcester. The Worcester area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov