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The differences between application engineers and field mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an application engineer, becoming a field mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an application engineer has an average salary of $92,921, which is higher than the $46,395 average annual salary of a field mechanic.
The top three skills for an application engineer include technical support, java and C++. The most important skills for a field mechanic are CDL, construction equipment, and cranes.
| Application Engineer | Field Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $92,921 | $46,395 |
| Hourly rate | $44.67 | $22.31 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 111,338 | 135,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An application engineer is responsible for creating and re-designing system applications based on clients' specifications and sales demands. Application engineers run diagnostic tests on software programs, identify areas of improvement, install necessary updates, upgrade optimization, revise system codes, and provide technical support for customers' needs. They also generate ideas and locate other business opportunities by analyzing current trends in the technology market that would help build revenues and increase profitability for the company. An application engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, software application processes, and general technology disciplines.
The primary job of a field mechanic is to manage on-site installation, maintenance, test, and repair tasks. Field mechanics diagnose technical problems or errors and identify the appropriate solutions. They deliver heavy equipment, facility maintenance, and load and unload equipment. They work on transmissions, electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, and welding repairs. Their duties involve service truck maintenance to keep service truck inventory. Also, they maintain enough materials and supplies on a service truck for common repairs.
Application engineers and field mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Application Engineer | Field Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $92,921 | $46,395 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $125,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Morgan Lewis | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between an application engineer and a field mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Application Engineer | Field Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between application engineers' and field mechanics' demographics:
| Application Engineer | Field Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 11.5% White, 74.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 2% |