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Automotive engineering technician vs mechanical engineer

The differences between automotive engineering technicians and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an automotive engineering technician, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, which is higher than the $46,712 average annual salary of an automotive engineering technician.

The top three skills for an automotive engineering technician include ASE, vehicle maintenance and engine performance. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.

Automotive engineering technician vs mechanical engineer overview

Automotive Engineering TechnicianMechanical Engineer
Yearly salary$46,712$75,352
Hourly rate$22.46$36.23
Growth rate1%2%
Number of jobs133,118105,618
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4041
Years of experience26

Automotive engineering technician vs mechanical engineer salary

Automotive engineering technicians and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Automotive Engineering TechnicianMechanical Engineer
Average salary$46,712$75,352
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $73,000Between $58,000 And $97,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between automotive engineering technician and mechanical engineer education

There are a few differences between an automotive engineering technician and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:

Automotive Engineering TechnicianMechanical Engineer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyMechanical Engineering
Most common college-Michigan Technological University

Automotive engineering technician vs mechanical engineer demographics

Here are the differences between automotive engineering technicians' and mechanical engineers' demographics:

Automotive Engineering TechnicianMechanical Engineer
Average age4041
Gender ratioMale, 100.0% Female, 0.0%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage2%5%

Differences between automotive engineering technician and mechanical engineer duties and responsibilities

Automotive engineering technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage customer accounts from initial diagnosis and estimate to final invoicing.
  • Start as an automotive technician and move to machining and engine assembly of Chevrolet engines.and high performance race engines
  • Implement PLC programming and troubleshooting procedures while also initiating and executing process improvements and conducting parts research when necessary.
  • Maintain highest CSI average in the store since beginning of tenure.
  • Work with service manager to maintain and improve csi and fix it right scores.
  • Diagnose and repair various types of Chevrolet cars and trucks.

Mechanical engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage machine shop and Sr. Machinist/Toolmaker.
  • Lead the implementation of Syteline MRP software.
  • Manage component work orders and failure test scheduling to parts as per DFMEA with design team.
  • Use of PLM software tools such as WindChill to manage data, revisions, iterations and approvals.
  • Lead a brainstorming session for review with supplier & management and follow through the successful implementation of a corrective action.
  • Attain SolidWorks CSWP certification and maintaining proficiency within CREO & AutoCad
  • Show more

Automotive engineering technician vs mechanical engineer skills

Common automotive engineering technician skills
  • ASE, 42%
  • Vehicle Maintenance, 35%
  • Engine Performance, 15%
  • Diagnosis, 8%
Common mechanical engineer skills
  • CAD, 10%
  • Solidworks, 9%
  • Mechanical Systems, 6%
  • Mechanical Design, 5%
  • HVAC, 5%
  • Plumbing, 4%

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