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The differences between junior mechanical engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a junior mechanical engineer and an engineer. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $69,855 average annual salary of a junior mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a junior mechanical engineer include mechanical engineering, solidworks and mechanical systems. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,855 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $33.58 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,397 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A junior mechanical engineer is responsible for designing tools and equipment under the supervision of a senior mechanical engineer. Junior mechanical engineers assist in building project plans with the whole team from its conceptualization to final deliverables, following client specifications and business requirements according to budget limitations and deadlines. They also submit precise measurements, including the cost of materials and schematics. A junior mechanical engineer must have excellent technical, mechanical, and analytical skills, especially on writing detailed progress reports and adjust design plans as needed.
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.
Junior mechanical engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $69,855 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $86,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Eaton | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a junior mechanical engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between junior mechanical engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |