Emergency Management Directors 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 $16,190 more per year than Emergency Management Directors professionals — that's 18.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Emergency Management Directors earns $160,420 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Emergency Management Directors$51,260 – $160,420
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$51,260$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Emergency Management Directors | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,260 | $68,740 | $-17,480 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,470 | $81,800 | $-17,330 |
| Median (50th) | $86,130 | $102,320 | $-16,190 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,690 | $130,290 | $-10,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,420 | $161,240 | $-820 |
| Mean (Average) | $97,700 | $110,080 | $-12,380 |
Employment Numbers
Emergency Management Directors
12,570
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Emergency Management Directors
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $156,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $153,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $139,630 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $138,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,860 |
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: Emergency Management Directors or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $16,190 (18.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Emergency Management Directors?
Emergency Management Directors salaries range from $51,260 (10th percentile) to $160,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $86,130.
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 Emergency Management Directors and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 12,570 Emergency Management Directors positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Emergency Management Directors?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Emergency Management Directors has a median salary of $86,130 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