Graphic Designers 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 $41,020 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 66.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Graphic Designers earns $103,030 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$37,600$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $68,740 | $-31,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $81,800 | $-34,600 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $102,320 | $-41,020 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $130,290 | $-51,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | $161,240 | $-58,210 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $110,080 | $-41,470 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
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: Graphic Designers or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $41,020 (66.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
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 Graphic Designers and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 while Mechanical Engineers earns $102,320. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS