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The differences between machine design engineers and data engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a machine design engineer, becoming a data engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a data engineer has an average salary of $109,675, which is higher than the $79,371 average annual salary of a machine design engineer.
The top three skills for a machine design engineer include solidworks, project management and FEA. The most important skills for a data engineer are python, java, and cloud.
| Machine Design Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $79,371 | $109,675 |
| Hourly rate | $38.16 | $52.73 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 136,423 | 303,105 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A machine design engineer specializes in designing and developing machines, tools, and engines for different industries. Their duties include identifying and understanding project requirements, creating blueprints and prototypes, selecting ideal resources, establishing and implementing test plans, facilitating upgrades, and setting protocols and standards. They also enhance existing machines by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and providing solutions against potential issues. Additionally, a machine design engineer usually works in a team environment, which requires an open communication line for efficient workflow.
A data engineer is someone who makes data science possible. This IT job requires the search for data set trends and algorithm development to make raw data more beneficial to the enterprise. Data engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that permits other data functions. The necessary skills for the job include in-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages and SQL database design. Among the other skills data engineers should develop include data warehousing and architecture, data mining and modeling, and statistical regression analysis.
Machine design engineers and data engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Design Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Average salary | $79,371 | $109,675 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $108,000 | Between $80,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a machine design engineer and a data engineer in terms of educational background:
| Machine Design Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between machine design engineers' and data engineers' demographics:
| Machine Design Engineer | Data Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |