Mechanical Engineers vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $41,310 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 67.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $39,710 | +$29,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $48,190 | +$33,610 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $61,010 | +$41,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $78,280 | +$52,010 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $98,990 | +$62,250 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $66,510 | +$43,570 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $41,310 (67.7% 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. 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