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The differences between associate mechanical engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an associate mechanical engineer and an engineer. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $71,432 average annual salary of an associate mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for an associate mechanical engineer include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,432 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $34.34 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 75,091 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Associate Mechanical Engineers are usually entry-level mechanical engineers hired by the company. They help design and conceptualize mechanical assets, construct and install mechanical parts, and repair mechanical problems in the different machines they work with. Associate Mechanical Engineers should be licensed with specialized knowledge of the different activities involved in the role. They ensure that the model they are making is working properly. They also help out in operating machines and other mechanical equipment needed by the company. They are expected to know the science behind the different machines and the machinations at play.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Associate mechanical engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,432 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $89,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an associate mechanical engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between associate mechanical engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |