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The differences between mechanical engineering interns and mechanical 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 engineer. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, 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 engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,749 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $20.55 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 115,512 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
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.
Mechanical engineering interns and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $42,749 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $54,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| 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 mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |