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The differences between aerodynamics engineers and mechanical design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an aerodynamics engineer, becoming a mechanical design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer has an average salary of $99,629, which is higher than the $75,821 average annual salary of a mechanical design engineer.
The top three skills for an aerodynamics engineer include aerospace, MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,629 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $47.90 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 20,152 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An aerodynamics engineer is an aerodynamics expert who specializes in designing and developing aircraft components and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Among their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, developing prototypes and test structures, coordinating with experts, obtaining certifications, and complying with all the aviation laws and regulations. They may also gather and analyze data of existing systems and equipment to identify its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, an aerodynamics engineer must perform regular maintenance checks and assessments while maintaining an active communication line with staff.
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Aerodynamics engineers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,629 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $142,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Gulfstream Aerospace | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an aerodynamics engineer and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between aerodynamics engineers' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 13.5% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.4% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |