Civil Engineer vs Mechanical 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.
Mechanical Engineer
Design and develop mechanical systems, machines, and products.
Mechanical Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $6,000/year (7%) 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 Mechanical Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Civil Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $128,485 | $137,287 | Civil $8,802 |
| New York, NY | $105,519 | $110,856 | Civil $5,337 |
| Seattle, WA | $122,246 | $131,045 | Civil $8,799 |
| Austin, TX | $97,185 | $103,769 | Civil $6,584 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,716 | $96,233 | Civil $2,517 |
| Boston, MA | $113,004 | $118,320 | Civil $5,316 |
| London, UK | £68,719 | £67,166 | Civil +$1,553 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$105,381 | CA$107,229 | Civil $1,848 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer earn more?+
A Mechanical Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Civil Engineer is $86,000/year, compared to $92,000/year for a Mechanical Engineer — a difference of $6,000 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer?+
Civil Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Mechanical Engineer demand is growing at 7% YoY. Mechanical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Civil Engineer to Mechanical Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AutoCAD.
Which is harder to automate — Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer?+
Civil Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.