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The differences between automation engineers and mechatronics 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 mechatronics engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $75,419 average annual salary of a mechatronics engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for a mechatronics engineer are mechatronics, python, and solidworks.
| Automation Engineer | Mechatronics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $75,419 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $36.26 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 82,414 |
| 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.
A mechatronics engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical systems to produce different products, ensuring quality and smooth workflow. They may also assess existing systems and implement improvements for optimal performance. Typically, a mechatronics engineer's responsibilities revolve around devising test structures to identify any vulnerabilities in the machines, performing regular maintenance checks to ensure safety and efficiency, and recommending solutions to improve other facilities. Furthermore, they may also conduct research and analysis, prepare progress reports and presentations, and participate in training new members of the workforce.
Automation engineers and mechatronics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Mechatronics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $75,419 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $49,000 And $116,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and a mechatronics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Mechatronics 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 | Johns Hopkins University |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and mechatronics engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Mechatronics Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% |
| 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, 7.9% Asian, 16.9% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |