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The differences between energy efficiency 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 an energy efficiency engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an energy efficiency engineer has an average salary of $87,691, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for an energy efficiency engineer include HVAC, energy efficiency and data analysis. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Energy Efficiency Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,691 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $42.16 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 4,182 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Energy Efficiency Engineer conducts audits to inspect, survey, model, and analyze the energy flows in existing buildings, whether commercial, residential, or industrial. These engineers apply engineering principles to develop energy distribution systems that operate efficiently. They analyze energy and make recommendations to reduce energy usage efficiently. An energy efficiency engineer must understand energy use, the ability to collect data and analyze it, develop business cases for energy efficiency projects, the ability to integrate energy, have good communication, and a sense of project planning and management.
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.
Energy efficiency engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Energy Efficiency Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $87,691 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $124,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Watertown Town, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Energy |
There are a few differences between an energy efficiency engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Energy Efficiency Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Duke University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between energy efficiency engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Energy Efficiency Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 18.8% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 5% | 5% |