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The differences between mechanical engineering interns and mechanical design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a mechanical engineering internship and a mechanical design engineer. Additionally, a mechanical design engineer has an average salary of $75,821, 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 mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,749 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $20.55 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 115,512 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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 mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Mechanical engineering interns and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $42,749 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $54,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | California |
| Best paying company | CDM Smith | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering internship and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering interns' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.4% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |