SalaryByCity

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

$61,890

Median annual salary

343,040 employed nationally

Mechanical Engineers

$102,320

Median annual salary

286,760 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $40,430 more per year than Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians professionals — that's 65.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians earns $97,990 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.

Salary Range Comparison

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$38,020 – $97,990
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$38,020$161,240

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileClinical Laboratory Technologists and TechniciansMechanical EngineersDifference
10th Percentile$38,020$68,740$-30,720
25th Percentile$46,580$81,800$-35,220
Median (50th)$61,890$102,320$-40,430
75th Percentile$80,010$130,290$-50,280
90th Percentile$97,990$161,240$-63,250
Mean (Average)$65,320$110,080$-44,760

Employment Numbers

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

343,040

employed nationwide

Mechanical Engineers

286,760

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$81,900
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$81,390
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$80,580
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$80,160
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA$78,850

Best Cities for Mechanical Engineers

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$147,730
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$145,640
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$128,660
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX$126,870
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH$124,160

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $40,430 (65.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians?
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians salaries range from $38,020 (10th percentile) to $97,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,890.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers salaries range from $68,740 (10th percentile) to $161,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,320.
How many Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 343,040 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians has a median salary of $61,890 while Mechanical Engineers earns $102,320. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

Career Resources

Career Change Resources

Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.

Professional Certifications

Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.

Online Degree Programs

Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.

Resume Writing Services

Get professional help crafting a standout resume.

Explore More

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS