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The differences between machine design 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 machine design engineer and a mechanical engineer. Additionally, a machine design engineer has an average salary of $79,371, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a machine design engineer include solidworks, project management and FEA. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Machine Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $79,371 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $38.16 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 136,423 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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.
Machine design engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $79,371 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $108,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a machine design engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Machine Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | 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 machine design engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Machine Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 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% |