SalaryByCity

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)

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

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

$87,980

Median annual salary

5,910 employed nationally

Mechanical Engineers

$102,320

Median annual salary

286,760 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $14,340 more per year than Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers professionals — that's 16.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earns $156,530 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.

Salary Range Comparison

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$51,700 – $156,530
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$51,700$161,240

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileFarmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural ManagersMechanical EngineersDifference
10th Percentile$51,700$68,740$-17,040
25th Percentile$67,970$81,800$-13,830
Median (50th)$87,980$102,320$-14,340
75th Percentile$115,200$130,290$-15,090
90th Percentile$156,530$161,240$-4,710
Mean (Average)$97,240$110,080$-12,840

Employment Numbers

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

5,910

employed nationwide

Mechanical Engineers

286,760

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

CityMedian
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$119,700
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$110,990
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA$105,340
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL$103,390
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$102,780

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: Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $14,340 (16.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers?
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers salaries range from $51,700 (10th percentile) to $156,530 (90th percentile), with a median of $87,980.
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 Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 5,910 Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers has a median salary of $87,980 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