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The differences between materials scientists and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a materials scientist, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a materials scientist has an average salary of $84,459, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a materials scientist include polymer, SEM and materials characterization. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Materials Scientist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,459 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $40.61 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,795 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A materials scientist is responsible for evaluating scientific properties, investigating chemical solutions and structures, and analyzing the components of natural materials. Materials scientists perform data analysis using scientific methods and operating different laboratory tools and equipment to develop entirely new scientific discoveries that would benefit various market industries for production. They also validate their findings by researching existing cases or coordinating with science experts to support their claims. A materials scientist creates a comprehensive report, including its scope and benefits for society.
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.
Materials scientists and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Scientist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,459 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $119,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a materials scientist and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Materials Scientist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between materials scientists' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Materials Scientist | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 29.6% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |