Mechanical Engineers vs Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $5,520 more per year than Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals — that's 5.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $150,320 for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
$60,320$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $60,320 | +$8,420 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $75,860 | +$5,940 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $96,800 | +$5,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $123,390 | +$6,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $150,320 | +$10,920 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $101,190 | +$8,890 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $5,520 (5.7% 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Network and Computer Systems Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Network and Computer Systems Administrators to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $96,800. 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