Salaries/Civil Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

Civil Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer Salary

Side-by-side 2026 salary comparison across entry-level, mid-level, and senior pay for Civil Engineer and Mechanical Engineer roles in the US.

Bottom line (mid-level, US median)

Mechanical Engineers earn $8,000 (8% more) than Civil Engineers on average.

Civil Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer by City

LocationCivil Engineer (Mid)Mechanical Engineer (Mid)Difference
New York$118K$128K$-10K
Los Angeles$106K$115K$-9K
Chicago$97K$105K$-8K
Dallas$92K$100K$-8K
Houston$91K$99K$-8K
Washington D.C.$110K$120K$-10K
Philadelphia$94K$102K$-8K
Atlanta$92K$100K$-8K

Engineering

Civil Engineer

Design, plan, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects including bridges, roads, buildings, and water systems.

See Civil Engineer salaries in all cities →

Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Design and develop mechanical systems, from consumer products to industrial machinery.

See Mechanical Engineer salaries in all cities →

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