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The differences between automotive mechanics 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 mechanic, 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 $42,864 average annual salary of an automotive mechanic.
The top three skills for an automotive mechanic include customer service, work ethic and hand tools. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,864 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $20.61 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 95,703 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
An automotive mechanic is responsible for inspecting the vehicle's engine, identifying defects and inconsistencies, and repairing malfunctioning components through diagnostic tests. Automotive mechanics diagnose problems and inform the customers of troubleshooting procedures and provide cost estimates for maintenance. They may also offer additional services to boost the engine's optimal performance and efficiency, at the same time, to generate more revenues for the business. An automotive mechanic must have excellent knowledge of the automotive industry, especially in responding to the inquiries and concerns of the customers regarding their vehicles and schedule regular repairs as necessary.
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.
Automotive mechanics and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $42,864 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Greeley, CO | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Washington |
| Best paying company | Eversource Energy | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between an automotive mechanic and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automotive mechanics' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Automotive Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.2% 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 Percentage | 2% | 5% |