Mechanical Engineers vs Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median annual salary
1,072,540 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $37,740 more per year than Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education professionals — that's 58.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $104,670 for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $47,330 | +$21,410 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $57,800 | +$24,000 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $64,580 | +$37,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $83,010 | +$47,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $104,670 | +$56,570 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $73,700 | +$36,380 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
1,072,540
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 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $103,640 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $103,640 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $99,840 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $99,740 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $99,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Mechanical Engineers or Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers?
What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
How many Mechanical Engineers and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education to Mechanical Engineers?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS