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 →
🤖

Negotiating a job offer?

Stop guessing. Get personalized scripts, market insights, and expert tactics for your specific situation using our free AI negotiation coach.

Ask the AI Coach

Not sure which path pays better for you?

Salaries.AI personalizes the comparison to your skills, experience, and location — and coaches you through negotiating either offer.

Ask the AI Negotiation Coach →Join the waitlist