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The differences between mechanical engineering managers and mechanical design 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 a mechanical design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineering manager has an average salary of $116,922, which is higher than the $75,821 average annual salary of a mechanical design engineer.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering manager include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $116,922 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $56.21 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 74,789 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
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.
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 managers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $116,922 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $165,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering manager and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering managers' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 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 | 9% | 5% |