Mechanical Engineers vs Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $51,320 more per year than Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers professionals — that's 100.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $75,850 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$38,130 – $75,850
$38,130$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $38,130 | +$30,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $45,580 | +$36,220 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $51,000 | +$51,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $61,610 | +$68,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $75,850 | +$85,390 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $55,100 | +$54,980 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
424,040
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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $69,120 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $67,560 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $64,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $63,890 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $62,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $51,320 (100.6% 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 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salaries range from $38,130 (10th percentile) to $75,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $51,000.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 424,040 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers earns $51,000. 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