According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Mechanical Engineers is $97,000, while the average annual salary for Lawyers is $148,030. This means that Lawyers earn a significantly higher salary than Mechanical Engineers.
However, it's important to keep in mind that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. In particular, 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, Lawyers in Washington DC have an average pay that is 115% higher compared to those in Wyoming.
Mechanical Engineers vs Lawyers overview
Mechanical Engineers and Lawyers 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
Becoming a Mechanical Engineer typically involves completing a Bachelor's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with an Associate's Degree (7%). Regarding experience, about a quarter of Mechanical Engineer jobs require a 4 to 6 years of experience in the field. A smaller part of jobs (26%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Mechanical Engineer average salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 278,240 Mechanical Engineers working in the United States, and on average, they earned $97,000 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $60,750 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $136,210 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has risen by 1.5%.
Do Mechanical Engineers make good money?
Mechanical Engineers generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is 66% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn 6% more than the average pay of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
Mechanical Engineers generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is 66% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Mechanical Engineers job growth
There has been a decrease in the employment of Mechanical Engineers 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%. Job growth has averaged -2.8% for the last 3 years.
Lawyer job description
Alternative names: Attorneys
Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Lawyer education and experience
Most Lawyers (68%) have completed a First Professional Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Doctoral Degree (31%). Regarding experience, the majority of Lawyer occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (15%) require no previous experience.
Lawyer average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Lawyers employed by the United States in 2021 was 681,010, and the average income they earned annually was $148,030. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $61,400 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $208,000 or more. The average salary has decreased by 0.6% in comparison to the previous year.
Do Lawyers make good money?
Lawyers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 154% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 62% more than the mean earnings of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
Lawyers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 154% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Lawyers job growth
The hiring of Lawyers has risen in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 22,890 more roles than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a growth of 3.5%. Job growth has averaged 2% over the past 3 years.
FAQ
Do Mechanical Engineers or Lawyers make more?
The average earnings of Lawyers are about a half higher than those of Mechanical Engineers. On average, Mechanical Engineers make $97,000 per year, while Lawyers make $148,030.
How long does it take to become a Mechanical Engineer vs Lawyer?
Mechanical Engineers typically need a Bachelor's Degree. A Bachelor's Degree usually takes around 4 years to obtain. On the other hand, Lawyers typically need a First Professional Degree. A First Professional Degree itself usually takes between 3 years and 4 years to obtain. However, if we consider that a Bachelor's Degree is required beforehand, it might take around 8 years to complete the full education.
Is it harder to become a Mechanical Engineer vs Lawyer?
It is more difficult to become a Lawyer than a Mechanical Engineer, since it takes 4 more years of education.
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