Mechanical Engineer vs Civil Engineer: Salary Comparison
Mechanical Engineers earn $7K more per year than Civil Engineers on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mechanical Engineer | Civil Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,300 | $88,050 |
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $60,000 |
| Senior Level | $135,000 | $130,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $42/hr |
| Education | Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering | Bachelor's in Civil Engineering |
| Category | Engineering | Engineering |
Which Pays More?
On average, Mechanical Engineers earn $7K more per year than Civil Engineers, with a median salary of $95,300 versus $88,050. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Civil Engineer in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $169,000 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Mechanical Engineer. Education and credentials also play a role: Mechanical Engineers typically require Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, while Civil Engineers need Bachelor's in Civil Engineering. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Mechanical Engineer has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Mechanical Engineer | Civil Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $135,000 | $125,000 |
| California | $132,000 | $122,000 |
| New York | $122,000 | $113,000 |
| Alaska | $119,000 | $110,000 |
| Massachusetts | $119,000 | $110,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mechanical Engineer or Civil Engineer pay more?
Mechanical Engineer pays more on average at $95,300/year, compared to $88,050/year for Civil Engineer — a difference of $7,250/year.
What is the salary difference between Mechanical Engineer and Civil Engineer?
The median salary gap is $7,250/year ($7K), with Mechanical Engineer earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Mechanical Engineer or Civil Engineer?
Mechanical Engineer grows from $65,000 to $135,000 (a $70,000 increase). Civil Engineer grows from $60,000 to $130,000 (a $70,000 increase). Mechanical Engineer shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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