Civil Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Civil Engineer
Design and oversee construction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings.
Manufacturing Engineer
Improve and optimise manufacturing processes and quality systems.
Manufacturing Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $2,000/year (2%) higher than a Civil Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Civil Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Civil Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $128,485 | $125,888 | Civil +$2,597 |
| New York, NY | $105,519 | $108,286 | Civil $2,767 |
| Seattle, WA | $122,246 | $127,782 | Civil $5,536 |
| Austin, TX | $97,185 | $100,900 | Civil $3,715 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,716 | $96,265 | Civil $2,549 |
| Boston, MA | $113,004 | $113,595 | Civil $591 |
| London, UK | £68,719 | £70,508 | Civil $1,789 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$105,381 | CA$117,412 | Civil $12,031 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Civil Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer earn more?+
A Manufacturing Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Civil Engineer is $86,000/year, compared to $88,000/year for a Manufacturing Engineer — a difference of $2,000 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Civil Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer?+
Civil Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Manufacturing Engineer demand is growing at 5% YoY. Civil Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Civil Engineer to Manufacturing Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Civil Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer?+
Civil Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.