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The differences between mechanical engineers and process 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 process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, 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 process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Mechanical Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,352 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $36.23 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 105,618 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Mechanical engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,352 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $97,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |