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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Principal Engineer in Massachusetts is $162,097 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, a Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mechanical Principal Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $170,240 | $14,187 | $3,274 | $82 |
| Average | $162,097 | $13,508 | $3,117 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $154,144 | $12,845 | $2,964 | $74 |
LXC ENGINEERING GROUP - Lynn, MA
E Tech Group - Pittsfield, MA
AbbVie - Waltham, MA
AbbVie - Worcester, MA
A Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mechanical Principal Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $117,790 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $140,353 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $161,498 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $205,471 |
| Mechanica... Level Mechanical Principal Engineer | $110,427 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mechanical Principal Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Mechanical Principal Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Principal Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Principal Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $202,621 | $97.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $194,516 | $94.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $186,411 | $90.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $186,411 | $90.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $186,411 | $90.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Mechanical Principal Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $170,240 | $14,187 | $3,274 | $82 |
| Average | $162,097 | $13,508 | $3,117 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $154,144 | $12,845 | $2,964 | $74 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mechanical Principal Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ShiftCode Analytics
Canton, MA
ShiftCode Analytics | Canton, MA
Senior Mechanical Engineer. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. The ideal cand... more
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The LiRo Group
Newton, MA
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Senior Mechanical Engineer US-MA-Newton Job ID: 2025-3167 of Openings: 1 Category: MEP LiRo-Hill Overview We have an immediate need for a Senior Mechanical... more
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The LiRo Group
Watertown, MA
The LiRo Group | Watertown, MA
The LiRo Group seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of building and infrastructure systems for complex construction projects. You will dev... more
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Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Devens, MA
Commonwealth Fusion Systems | Devens, MA
Job Description. Job Description. About Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion... more
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813 Consultants LLC
Franklin, MA
813 Consultants LLC | Franklin, MA
Civil / Mechanical Engineer Inspector (Pump Station):Description:813 Consultants LLC. is looking to hire a Mechanical Inspector for project in Franklin, MA... more
9 Days Ago
Wozny-Barbar & Associates Inc
Hanover, MA
Wozny-Barbar & Associates Inc | Hanover, MA
Job Description. Job Description. Work for one of the fastest growing consulting engineering companies in New England without the long commute to the city.... more
9 Days Ago
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