Mechanical Engineer vs Structural 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.
Structural Engineer
Design load-bearing structures including buildings and bridges.
Structural Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $2,000/year (2%) higher than a Mechanical Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Mechanical Engineer vs Structural Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Mechanical Engineer | Structural Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $137,287 | $132,928 | Mechanical +$4,359 |
| New York, NY | $110,856 | $115,250 | Mechanical $4,394 |
| Seattle, WA | $131,045 | $133,928 | Mechanical $2,883 |
| Austin, TX | $103,769 | $103,233 | Mechanical +$536 |
| Chicago, IL | $96,233 | $99,645 | Mechanical $3,412 |
| Boston, MA | $118,320 | $125,714 | Mechanical $7,394 |
| London, UK | £67,166 | £71,504 | Mechanical $4,338 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,229 | CA$125,929 | Mechanical $18,700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Engineer or Structural Engineer earn more?+
A Structural Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $92,000/year, compared to $94,000/year for a Structural Engineer — a difference of $2,000 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Mechanical Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Mechanical Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Structural Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Mechanical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Mechanical Engineer to Structural 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 Structural Engineer?+
Structural Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.