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The differences between associate mechanical engineers and project 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 a project engineer. Additionally, a project engineer has an average salary of $75,050, 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 a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,432 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $34.34 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 75,091 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Associate mechanical engineers and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,432 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $89,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between an associate mechanical engineer and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between associate mechanical engineers' and project engineers' demographics:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |