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The differences between mechanical engineers and industrial 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 mechanical engineer, becoming an industrial engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineer include CAD, solidworks and mechanical systems. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Mechanical Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,352 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $36.23 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 105,618 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Mechanical engineers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,352 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $97,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineer and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | New York University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |