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The differences between automation engineers and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an automation engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Automation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
Automation engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Energy |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |