Mechanical Engineers vs Sales Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $102,320 more per year than Sales Managers professionals.
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 Sales Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $175,360 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,610 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA | $156,950 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $144,910 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $131,410 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Sales Managers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $102,320 (null% 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 Sales Managers?
Salary data for Sales Managers is not currently available.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Sales Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and N/A Sales Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Sales Managers to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Sales Managers earns $0. 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