Mechanical Engineers vs Civil Engineers salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Mechanical Engineers is $97,000 per year, while Civil Engineers earn an average of $95,490 annually. This indicates that the salaries for these two jobs are similar.

However, it's worth mentioning that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. As an example, Mechanical Engineers working in New Mexico (with a wage of $120,040 on average) may have higher salaries than those in Arkansas ($78,160). To provide another instance, Civil Engineers in California have an average pay that is 41% higher compared to those in Vermont.

Mechanical Engineers vs Civil Engineers overview

Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers are two important roles in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average salaries for each.

Mechanical Engineer job description

Mechanical Engineers perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Mechanical Engineer education and experience

In order to become a Mechanical Engineer, a person typically must obtain a Bachelor's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have an Associate's Degree (7%). When it comes to experience, about a quarter of Mechanical Engineer jobs require a 4 to 6 years of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (26%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Mechanical Engineer average salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 278,240 Mechanical Engineers in 2021, and the mean income they earned annually was $97,000. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $60,750 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $136,210 or more. The average salary has grown by 1.5% compared the previous year.

Do Mechanical Engineers make good money?

Mechanical Engineers are usually paid well, as their average salary is 66% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 6% more than the average pay of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

Mechanical Engineers are usually paid well, as their average salary is 66% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Mechanical Engineers job growth

The employment rate for Mechanical Engineers has fallen in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 15,720 less roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 5.3%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -2.8%.

Civil Engineer job description

Civil Engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, and geotechnical engineers.

Civil Engineer education and experience

Becoming a Civil Engineer typically involves completing a Bachelor's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Master's Degree (10%). When it comes to experience, about a third of Civil Engineer jobs require a 4 to 6 years of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (24%) do not require any previous experience.

Civil Engineer average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Civil Engineers employed in the United States was 304,310, and they earned an average of $95,490 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $60,550 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $133,320 or more.

Do Civil Engineers make good money?

The average salary of Civil Engineers is 64% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). On the other hand, they earn 5% more than the average pay of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

The average salary of Civil Engineers is 64% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Civil Engineers job growth

In 2021, there have been 3,460 more Civil Engineer roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 1.2%. Job growth has averaged -0.2% for the last 3 years.

FAQ

Do Mechanical Engineers or Civil Engineers make more?

These two professions have salaries that are similar. On average, Civil Engineers make $95,490 per year, while Mechanical Engineers make $97,000.

How long does it take to become a Mechanical Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

Both Mechanical Engineer and Civil Engineer jobs usually require a Bachelor's Degree. Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree usually takes around 4 years of study.

Is it harder to become a Mechanical Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

It is not harder to become a Mechanical Engineer versus a Civil Engineer, as they both require the same level of education.