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The differences between engine maintenance mechanics and diesel 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 engine maintenance mechanic, becoming a diesel engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a diesel engineer has an average salary of $100,487, which is higher than the $52,145 average annual salary of an engine maintenance mechanic.
The top three skills for an engine maintenance mechanic include preventive maintenance, mechanical maintenance and plumbing. The most important skills for a diesel engineer are MATLAB, data acquisition, and inca.
An engine maintenance mechanic is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining engines and vehicles. As an engine maintenance mechanic, you will perform preventive maintenance such as running diagnostic tests to check engine functionality. In addition, you will need to ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures, and troubleshoot faulty or broken machine parts. Other duties that you will perform may include performing emergency repairs, monitoring and reporting on the progress of projects, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
A diesel Engineer inspects, maintains, and repairs diesel engines. They diagnose engines and examine the engine parts and system machinery to identify the vehicle's right service. These professionals use several tools like pliers, lathes, drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, and grinders to complete their tasks. They measure engine power by using different pieces of testing equipment like dynamometers. Moreover, these professionals rebuild engines or repair starting systems, cylinder heads, fuel-injection systems, large-sized natural gas engines, and turbochargers.
Engine maintenance mechanics and diesel engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engine Maintenance Mechanic | Diesel Engineer | |
| Average salary | $52,145 | $100,487 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $72,000 | Between $69,000 And $146,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Diego, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | HEI Hotels & Resorts | FCA US LLC |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an engine maintenance mechanic and a diesel engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engine Maintenance Mechanic | Diesel Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between engine maintenance mechanics' and diesel engineers' demographics:
| Engine Maintenance Mechanic | Diesel Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 11.6% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 5% |