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The differences between junior mechanical engineers and mechanical 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 a mechanical engineer. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, 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 a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,855 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $33.58 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,397 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
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.
Junior mechanical engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $69,855 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $86,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Eaton | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a junior mechanical engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |