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The differences between engineers and mechanical design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an engineer and a mechanical design engineer. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $75,821 average annual salary of a mechanical design engineer.
The top three skills for an engineer include python, cloud and C++. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,077 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $44.27 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 618,207 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.33 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Engineers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,077 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $130,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Huntsville, AL | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Fort Bend County | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an engineer and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between engineers' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.4% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |