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The differences between mechanical engineering interns and field 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 engineering internship, becoming a field engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a field engineer has an average salary of $71,874, which is higher than the $42,749 average annual salary of a mechanical engineering internship.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering internship include solidworks, powerpoint and mechanical design. The most important skills for a field engineer are customer service, customer satisfaction, and project management.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Field Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,749 | $71,874 |
| Hourly rate | $20.55 | $34.55 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 115,512 | 86,015 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
One of the primary responsibilities in a mechanical engineering internship is to follow directives from engineers and managers while gaining practical experience. There are instances when an intern must take part in crafting various materials under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, produce reports and paperwork, operate tools and devices, and provide assistance should anyone need. Furthermore, it is essential to report to managers and supervisors if any issues arise.
A field engineer's role will vary on the industry or line of work involved. However, the primary responsibility will mostly revolve around handling equipment and machinery, ensuring that they function effectively and safely. It is also the task of a field engineer to oversee the workflow and workforce, giving directions and recommendations when necessary. Furthermore, a field engineer must develop strategies and plans to improve the site's efficiency, produce progress reports, and coordinate with other workers.
Mechanical engineering interns and field engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Field Engineer | |
| Average salary | $42,749 | $71,874 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $54,000 | Between $51,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Washington |
| Best paying company | CDM Smith | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering internship and a field engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Field Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering interns' and field engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Field Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.7% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |