Mechanical Engineer Salary in Northampton, MA: $108,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Northampton, MA earns a median $108,148/year (≈ $52.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Northampton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $99,676 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Northampton, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $108,148, which slightly outpaces the national median of $107,150. Salaries range widely, with the lower ten percent earning approximately $81,285 and the top earners in the ninetieth percentile making as much as $165,618. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price differences that impact compensation. The job market here tends to be influenced by the aerospace and automotive sectors, particularly with companies like SpaceX and Tesla shaping mechanical engineer pay in innovative ways. HVAC roles also provide attractive options, offering steady demand and potential career growth pathways through PE licensure.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,285 | $39.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,763 | $43.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,148 | $52.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,137 | $65.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $165,618 | $79.62 |
Median Salary Position
0.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northampton
In Northampton, MA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,333 (2026 est.). At $108,148, the local median is 0.93% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northampton Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Northampton median: $108,148/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $112,071 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +0.93% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Northampton, MA earn a median of $108,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $112,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northampton has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northampton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,148 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,676 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,254
2025 BLS Actual
$105,080
2026 Current Est.
$108,148
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,254 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,188 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,545 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northampton metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $89,254 (2019) to $105,080 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,052 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northampton 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) | $81,285 – $89,763 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,763 – $108,148 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,148 – $136,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,137 – $165,618 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Northampton
Despite the modest job pool of only six mechanical engineers currently employed in Northampton, the local economic landscape provides unique challenges due to the cost of living index at 108.5. This index indicates a higher-than-average cost of living, meaning effective take-home pay may be stretched further than in lower-cost areas. Among employers, aerospace companies generally offer higher salaries compared to automotive firms, with tech-adjacent roles in consumer products like Apple or engineering consulting firms also commanding significant pay. The salary disparity reflects the value placed on advanced skills, such as obtaining security clearances for defense roles or pursuing management tracks versus individual contributor positions. For those looking to maximize their mechanical engineer pay in Northampton, enhancing qualifications through board certification, such as obtaining a PE license, or seeking employment with innovative aerospace or technology firms could be advantageous strategies to consider.
More salary data for Northampton, 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 $105,080 for mechanical engineersin the Northampton 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 Northampton 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