Architect: main tradeoff

A long credential path and strong creative identity meet a cyclical billings market; firm-level demand is far more important than generic job-growth data.

Mechanical Engineer: main tradeoff

Solid pay and broad industry optionality, with automation itself creating demand for engineers who integrate increasingly complex equipment.

Which should you choose?

Mechanical Engineer has the higher national median pay in the BLS data. Mechanical Engineer has the higher projected 2024–2034 growth rate. The larger decision is whether you prefer the training path, work style, and occupation-specific tradeoffs of Architect or Mechanical Engineer.