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The differences between mechanical engineering managers and project engineering managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes More than 10 years to become both a mechanical engineering manager and a project engineering manager. Additionally, a mechanical engineering manager has an average salary of $116,922, which is higher than the $110,534 average annual salary of a project engineering manager.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering manager include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for a project engineering manager are project management, project scope, and engineering design.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Project Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $116,922 | $110,534 |
| Hourly rate | $56.21 | $53.14 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 74,789 | 171,897 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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 project engineering manager's job is to oversee engineering projects in diverse industries, including transportation, software development, and utility industries. They are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of intricate designs and evaluating and approving changes that may affect the scope, budget, and completion of a project. They also perform other essential tasks, including monitoring the project's progress and performance, developing maintenance plans, and preparing expenditure reports. Project engineering managers are also expected to resolve any issues that may arise from operations.
Mechanical engineering managers and project engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Project Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $116,922 | $110,534 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $165,000 | Between $79,000 And $153,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering manager and a project engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Project Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering managers' and project engineering managers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Manager | Project Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4% | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% |
| 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, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 12.0% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |