Mechanical Engineers vs Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $1,730 more per year than Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals — that's 1.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $168,210 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
$61,860$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $61,860 | +$6,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $77,260 | +$4,540 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $100,590 | +$1,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $133,870 | $-3,580 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $168,210 | $-6,970 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $112,690 | $-2,610 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $155,990 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $142,540 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $131,390 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $129,230 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $128,890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,730 (1.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salaries range from $61,860 (10th percentile) to $168,210 (90th percentile), with a median of $100,590.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $100,590. 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