Education Administrators, Postsecondary vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Education Administrators, Postsecondary professionals earn $1,640 more per year than Mechanical Engineers professionals — that's 1.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Education Administrators, Postsecondary earns $212,420 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$63,820 – $212,420
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$63,820$212,420
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,820 | $68,740 | $-4,920 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,880 | $81,800 | $-1,920 |
| Median (50th) | $103,960 | $102,320 | +$1,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,940 | $130,290 | +$10,650 |
| 90th Percentile | $212,420 | $161,240 | +$51,180 |
| Mean (Average) | $124,450 | $110,080 | +$14,370 |
Employment Numbers
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
176,420
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Education Administrators, Postsecondary
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $137,490 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $136,880 |
| Rochester, NY | $132,150 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $131,910 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $129,330 |
Best Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| 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: Education Administrators, Postsecondary or Mechanical Engineers?
Education Administrators, Postsecondary professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,640 (1.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Education Administrators, Postsecondary?
Education Administrators, Postsecondary salaries range from $63,820 (10th percentile) to $212,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,960.
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 Education Administrators, Postsecondary and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 176,420 Education Administrators, Postsecondary positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Education Administrators, Postsecondary?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Education Administrators, Postsecondary has a median salary of $103,960 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
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS