Civil Engineer vs Mechatronics 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.
Mechatronics Engineer
Combine mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design smart systems.
Mechatronics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $12,000/year (14%) 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 Mechatronics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Civil Engineer | Mechatronics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $128,485 | $141,921 | Civil $13,436 |
| New York, NY | $105,519 | $121,411 | Civil $15,892 |
| Seattle, WA | $122,246 | $141,504 | Civil $19,258 |
| Austin, TX | $97,185 | $108,793 | Civil $11,608 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,716 | $105,459 | Civil $11,743 |
| Boston, MA | $113,004 | $131,371 | Civil $18,367 |
| London, UK | £68,719 | £75,125 | Civil $6,406 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$105,381 | CA$127,248 | Civil $21,867 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Civil Engineer or Mechatronics Engineer earn more?+
A Mechatronics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Civil Engineer is $86,000/year, compared to $98,000/year for a Mechatronics Engineer — a difference of $12,000 (14%).
Which has better career growth — Civil Engineer or Mechatronics Engineer?+
Civil Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Mechatronics Engineer demand is growing at 18% YoY. Mechatronics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Civil Engineer to Mechatronics 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 Mechatronics Engineer?+
Mechatronics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.