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The differences between facility designers and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a facility designer, 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 $63,152 average annual salary of a facility designer.
The top three skills for a facility designer include revit, facilities design and space planning. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Facility Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $63,152 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $30.36 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 50,714 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A facility designer specializes in developing establishment plans according to project requirements. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies on every project, it usually includes meeting with clients to conceptualize facility plans, conducting research and analysis, visiting sites to perform measurements and assessments, utilizing special tools and software, and coordinating with engineers and clients. Moreover, a facility designer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Facility designers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Facility Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $63,152 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $85,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Media | Energy |
There are a few differences between a facility designer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Facility Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between facility designers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Facility Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 13% | 5% |