Mechanical Engineers vs Pharmacy Technicians: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $58,860 more per year than Pharmacy Technicians professionals — that's 135.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $59,450 for Pharmacy Technicians.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Pharmacy Technicians$35,100 – $59,450
$35,100$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Pharmacy Technicians | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $35,100 | +$33,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $36,920 | +$44,880 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $43,460 | +$58,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $48,580 | +$81,710 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $59,450 | +$101,790 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $44,800 | +$65,280 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Pharmacy Technicians
487,920
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 Pharmacy Technicians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $70,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $61,990 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $59,960 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $55,810 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $54,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Pharmacy Technicians?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $58,860 (135.4% 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 Pharmacy Technicians?
Pharmacy Technicians salaries range from $35,100 (10th percentile) to $59,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $43,460.
How many Mechanical Engineers and Pharmacy Technicians jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions and 487,920 Pharmacy Technicians positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Pharmacy Technicians to Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 while Pharmacy Technicians earns $43,460. 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