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The differences between mechanical engineers and packaging 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 a packaging engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a packaging engineer has an average salary of $88,452, 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 a packaging engineer are CAD, project management, and solidworks.
| Mechanical Engineer | Packaging Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,352 | $88,452 |
| Hourly rate | $36.23 | $42.52 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 105,618 | 54,028 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| 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.
A Packaging Engineer plans and implements packaging designs to ensure product integrity and appeal. Their primary duties include supervising and managing the complete packaging development process, analyzing engineering drawings, and conducting periodic vendor reviews.
Mechanical engineers and packaging engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineer | Packaging Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,352 | $88,452 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $97,000 | Between $65,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineer and a packaging engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineer | Packaging Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Engineering And Industrial Management |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineers' and packaging engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineer | Packaging Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 13.1% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |