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The differences between component 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 a component engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a component engineer has an average salary of $84,771, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a component engineer include failure analysis, DFMEA and dvp r. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Component Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,771 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $40.76 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 49,923 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A component engineer monitors, tests, and evaluates different kinds of components in a particular production line. A component engineer is essential in a company that uses the assembly line process of manufacturing as each component must perform efficiently to avoid disruption in the production process. The component engineer is expected to provide reports about each production component, identify areas that need improvements or repairs, and suggest upgrades whenever applicable and 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.
Component engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Component Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,771 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $106,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Energy |
There are a few differences between a component engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Component Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between component engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Component Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 15.1% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 4% | 5% |