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The differences between energy 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 engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an energy engineer has an average salary of $86,305, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for an energy engineer include HVAC, renewable energy and sustainability. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Energy Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $86,305 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $41.49 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 16,765 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An energy engineer is an individual who is involved with the production of energy using natural resources as well as renewable or sustainable sources of energy. Energy engineers are required to research new methods and techniques to extract energy from scarce natural resources. They must design and test machinery used in extracting energy and develop ways of improving the existing processes. Energy engineers are also required to have an excellent understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements about energy use and sustainability concerns.
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 engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Energy Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $86,305 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $120,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an energy engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Energy Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between energy engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Energy Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 19.7% White, 60.3% 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% |