Electricians vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $39,970 more per year than Electricians professionals — that's 64.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Electricians earns $106,030 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Electricians$39,430 – $106,030
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$39,430$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Electricians | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,430 | $68,740 | $-29,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,820 | $81,800 | $-32,980 |
| Median (50th) | $62,350 | $102,320 | $-39,970 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,730 | $130,290 | $-48,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $106,030 | $161,240 | $-55,210 |
| Mean (Average) | $69,630 | $110,080 | $-40,450 |
Employment Numbers
Electricians
742,580
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Electricians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $102,070 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $101,600 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $99,540 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $95,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $95,020 |
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: Electricians or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $39,970 (64.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Electricians?
Electricians salaries range from $39,430 (10th percentile) to $106,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,350.
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 Electricians and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 742,580 Electricians positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Electricians?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Electricians has a median salary of $62,350 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