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