Mechanical Engineers vs Retail Salespersons: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $67,740 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 195.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $47,930 for Retail Salespersons.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$25,600$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Retail Salespersons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $25,600 | +$43,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $29,140 | +$52,660 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $34,580 | +$67,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $37,850 | +$92,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $47,930 | +$113,310 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $37,150 | +$72,930 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
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 Retail Salespersons
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $42,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,180 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $37,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $37,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Retail Salespersons?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $67,740 (195.9% 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 Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Retail Salespersons earns $34,580. 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