Computer Systems Analysts vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn $1,470 more per year than Mechanical Engineers professionals — that's 1.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Systems Analysts earns $166,030 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$63,160$166,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Systems Analysts | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,160 | $68,740 | $-5,580 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,900 | $81,800 | $-900 |
| Median (50th) | $103,790 | $102,320 | +$1,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,360 | $130,290 | +$2,070 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,030 | $161,240 | +$4,790 |
| Mean (Average) | $111,960 | $110,080 | +$1,880 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,580 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $127,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,520 |
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 Systems Analysts or Mechanical Engineers?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,470 (1.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts salaries range from $63,160 (10th percentile) to $166,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,790.
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 Systems Analysts and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Computer Systems Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Systems Analysts has a median salary of $103,790 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