Mechanical Engineers vs Nurse Practitioners: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn $26,890 more per year than Mechanical Engineers professionals — that's 26.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $169,950 for Nurse Practitioners.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Nurse Practitioners$97,960 – $169,950
$68,740$169,950
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Nurse Practitioners | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $97,960 | $-29,220 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $109,940 | $-28,140 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $129,210 | $-26,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $149,570 | $-19,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $169,950 | $-8,710 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $132,000 | $-21,920 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Nurse Practitioners
307,390
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Nurse Practitioners
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $225,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $220,330 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $164,520 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $164,510 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $162,470 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $26,890 (26.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners salaries range from $97,960 (10th percentile) to $169,950 (90th percentile), with a median of $129,210.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Nurse Practitioners jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 307,390 Nurse Practitioners positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Nurse Practitioners to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Nurse Practitioners earns $129,210. 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