Earnings

Mechanical Engineers - The median annual wage in May 2010 was $78,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,550. The top 10 percent earned more than $119,480.

Environmental Engineering Technicians - The median annual wage in May 2010 was $43,390. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,000. The top 10 percent earned more than $72,020.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)