Software Developers vs Mechanical Engineers salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Software Developers is $120,990, while the average annual salary for Mechanical Engineers is $97,000. This means that Software Developers earn a 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, Software Developers working in California (with a salary of $146,770 on average) may earn more than those in West Virginia ($83,450). To provide another instance, Mechanical Engineers in New Mexico have an average salary that is 54% higher than those in Arkansas.

Software Developers vs Mechanical Engineers overview

Software Developers and Mechanical Engineers are two important occupations in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Software Developer job description

Alternative names: Devops, Backend Developers, Computer Scientists

Software Developers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Software Developer average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 1.36M Software Developers in 2021 and they earned an average of $120,990 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $64,470 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $168,570 or more per year.

Do Software Developers make good money?

Software Developers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 108% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make about a third more than the mean earnings of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

Software Developers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 108% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

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 obtaining a Bachelor's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with an Associate's Degree (7%). In terms of experience, about a quarter of Mechanical Engineer occupations require a 4 to 6 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (26%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Mechanical Engineer average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Mechanical Engineers employed in the United States was 278,240, and they earned an average of $97,000 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $60,750 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $136,210 or more. The average salary has increased by 1.5% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Mechanical Engineers make good money?

Mechanical Engineers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 66% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 6% more than the mean earnings of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).

Mechanical Engineers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 66% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Mechanical Engineers job growth

The number of Mechanical Engineers being employed has decreased over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 15,720 less job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows a decline of 5.3%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -2.8%.

FAQ

Do Software Developers or Mechanical Engineers make more?

The average earnings of Software Developers are about a quarter higher than those of Mechanical Engineers. On average, Mechanical Engineers make $97,000 per year, while Software Developers make $120,990.