Salaries/Mechanical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer Salary

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

Bottom line (mid-level, US median)

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

Mechanical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer by City

LocationMechanical Engineer (Mid)Electrical Engineer (Mid)Difference
New York$128K$138K$-10K
Los Angeles$115K$124K$-9K
Chicago$105K$113K$-8K
Dallas$100K$108K$-8K
Houston$99K$107K$-8K
Washington D.C.$120K$130K$-10K
Philadelphia$102K$110K$-8K
Atlanta$100K$108K$-8K

Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

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

See Mechanical Engineer salaries in all cities →

Engineering

Electrical Engineer

Design and validate electronic circuits, power systems, and embedded electronics.

See Electrical Engineer salaries in all cities →
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