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The differences between equipment mechanics 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 equipment mechanic, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, which is higher than the $45,435 average annual salary of an equipment mechanic.
The top three skills for an equipment mechanic include hand tools, preventive maintenance and CDL. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Equipment Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $45,435 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $21.84 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 50,409 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An equipment mechanic specializes in inspecting and repairing mechanical systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. They typically respond to issues and concerns, identify client needs, conduct inspections, and perform corrective measures and repairs as needed. An equipment mechanic may also liaise with clients, explaining to them the extent of repairs and provide cost-estimates. Furthermore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure its efficiency and safety of operators, all while building positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base.
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.
Equipment mechanics and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $45,435 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Hologic | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between an equipment mechanic and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between equipment mechanics' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Equipment Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 1.8% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 | 1% | 5% |