Computer Programmers vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $3,650 more per year than Computer Programmers professionals — that's 3.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$52,190$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $68,740 | $-16,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $81,800 | $-9,940 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $102,320 | $-3,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $130,290 | $-1,330 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $161,240 | +$850 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $110,080 | $-6,440 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $3,650 (3.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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.
How many Computer Programmers and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Mechanical Engineers earns $102,320. 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