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The differences between mechanical engineering managers and mechanical designers 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 designer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineering manager has an average salary of $116,922, which is higher than the $62,541 average annual salary of a mechanical designer.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering manager include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanical designer are mechanical design, revit, and auto cad.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $116,922 | $62,541 |
| Hourly rate | $56.21 | $30.07 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 74,789 | 65,748 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| 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 designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.
Mechanical engineering managers and mechanical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average salary | $116,922 | $62,541 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $165,000 | Between $46,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering manager and a mechanical designer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering managers' and mechanical designers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |