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The differences between mechanical engineering managers and mechanical 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 engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineering manager has an average salary of $116,922, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering manager include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $116,922 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $56.21 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 74,789 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
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 managers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $116,922 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $165,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering manager and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |