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The differences between mechanical engineering technologists and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a mechanical engineering technologist and an engineer. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $57,409 average annual salary of a mechanical engineering technologist.
The top three skills for a mechanical engineering technologist include CAD, solidworks and prototype. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $57,409 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $27.60 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 120,125 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A Mechanical Engineering Technologist is responsible for developing and assembling mechanical parts and components, following the head engineer's design specifications. They identify resources for manufacturing, ensuring that the deliverables follow the high-quality standards and requirements. They also analyze the design and recommend adjustments for outputs, if there are any. A Mechanical Engineering Technologist operates various mechanical tools and equipment to perform tasks efficiently, requiring strict adherence to the safety protocols and regulations within the operational premises.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Mechanical engineering technologists and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $57,409 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $76,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering technologist and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering technologists' and engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 9.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |