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The differences between industrial mechanics and industrial engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an industrial mechanic, becoming an industrial engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $53,333 average annual salary of an industrial mechanic.
The top three skills for an industrial mechanic include industrial maintenance, hand tools and PLC. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Industrial Mechanic | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,333 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $25.64 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 158,560 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Industrial mechanics and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Mechanic | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $53,333 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $72,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | Alaska |
| Best paying company | California Resources | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between an industrial mechanic and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Mechanic | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Industrial Technology | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | - | New York University |
Here are the differences between industrial mechanics' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Mechanic | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |