Mechanical Engineers vs Web Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $11,390 more per year than Web Developers professionals — that's 12.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $162,870 for Web Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Web Developers$48,560 – $162,870
$48,560$162,870
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Web Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $48,560 | +$20,180 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $63,140 | +$18,660 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $90,930 | +$11,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $124,300 | +$5,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $162,870 | $-1,630 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $98,790 | +$11,290 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Web Developers
78,860
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 Web Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $161,750 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $157,490 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $126,040 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $120,750 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $117,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Web Developers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $11,390 (12.5% 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 Web Developers?
Web Developers salaries range from $48,560 (10th percentile) to $162,870 (90th percentile), with a median of $90,930.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Web Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 78,860 Web Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Web Developers to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Web Developers earns $90,930. 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