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The differences between hardware engineers and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a hardware engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Hardware Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
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.
Hardware engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% 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 | 4% | 5% |