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The differences between automation engineering technicians 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 engineering technician, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an automation engineering technician has an average salary of $89,591, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineering technician include PLC, HMI and automation engineering. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,591 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $43.07 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 81,592 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An automation engineer technician specializes in developing and maintaining automated systems in various industries. They are responsible for responding to reports involving complex issues, inspecting systems, troubleshooting problems, replacing or fixing parts, and maintaining extensive records. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, develop and implement test structures, perform upgrades and modifications, establish guidelines, and communicate directly with clients in an effort to solve issues and concerns. Moreover, they provide technical support to staff, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
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 engineering technicians and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,591 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $121,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between an automation engineering technician and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation engineering technicians' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 6% | 5% |