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The differences between associate mechanical engineers and mechanical designers 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 a mechanical designer. Additionally, an associate mechanical engineer has an average salary of $71,432, which is higher than the $62,541 average annual salary of a mechanical designer.
The top three skills for an associate mechanical engineer include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanical designer are mechanical design, revit, and auto cad.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,432 | $62,541 |
| Hourly rate | $34.34 | $30.07 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 75,091 | 65,748 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| 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.
A mechanical designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.
Associate mechanical engineers and mechanical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average salary | $71,432 | $62,541 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $89,000 | Between $46,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between an associate mechanical engineer and a mechanical designer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between associate mechanical engineers' and mechanical designers' demographics:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |