Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between associate mechanical engineers and student 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 student engineer. Additionally, a student engineer has an average salary of $71,947, 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 student engineer are GPA, C++, and CAD.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,432 | $71,947 |
| Hourly rate | $34.34 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 75,091 | 98,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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 student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
Associate mechanical engineers and student engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,432 | $71,947 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $89,000 | Between $54,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Yakima, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an associate mechanical engineer and a student engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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 student engineers' demographics:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |