Civil Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer salary
In United States, a mechanical engineer earns about 4% more than a civil engineer — $112,000 vs $108,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Engineering
Mechanical Engineer$112,000/yr
- Monthly
- $9,300
- Hourly
- $54
- Range
- $76,700–$155,100
- 10-yr outlook
- +10%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Civil Engineer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $74,000 | $76,700 |
| 25th | $91,000 | $94,400 |
| Median | $108,000 | $112,000 |
| 75th | $128,800 | $133,600 |
| Senior (90th) | $149,600 | $155,100 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Engineering comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a civil engineer or mechanical engineer earn more in United States?
- A mechanical engineer earns more, at about $112,000 per year vs $108,000 for a civil engineer — roughly 4% ($4,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A civil engineer typically earns $74,000–$149,600, while a mechanical engineer earns $76,700–$155,100 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a civil engineer averages about $9,000 and a mechanical engineer about $9,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a civil engineer earns about $74,000 while a mechanical engineer earns about $76,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a civil engineer earns about $149,600 while a mechanical engineer earns about $155,100 per year.
- Are civil engineer and mechanical engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Engineering category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.