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The differences between mechanical engineering managers and industrial engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a mechanical engineering manager, becoming an industrial engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineering manager has an average salary of $116,922, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering manager include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $116,922 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $56.21 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 74,789 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A mechanical engineering manager is responsible for leading the mechanical projects and processes of an organization to ensure high-quality deliverables according to business requirements and specifications. Mechanical engineering managers inspect the tools and equipment and coordinate with trusted suppliers for low-cost reduction materials and control installations. They also resolve mechanical issues and determine the best management techniques to prevent downtimes and operational delays. A mechanical engineering manager must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, especially in analyzing blueprints and schematics to secure components.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Mechanical engineering managers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $116,922 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $165,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering manager and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | New York University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering managers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 12.9% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 4% |