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The differences between mechanical engineering interns and student 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 student engineer. Additionally, a student engineer has an average salary of $71,947, 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 student engineer are GPA, C++, and CAD.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Student Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $42,749 | $71,947 |
| Hourly rate | $20.55 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 115,512 | 98,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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 student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
Mechanical engineering interns and student engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Student Engineer | |
| Average salary | $42,749 | $71,947 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $54,000 | Between $54,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | Yakima, WA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Washington |
| Best paying company | CDM Smith | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering internship and a student engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Student Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering interns' and student engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Internship | Student Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |