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The differences between mechanical engineering technologists and field engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a mechanical engineering technologist, becoming a field engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a field engineer has an average salary of $71,874, 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 a field engineer are customer service, customer satisfaction, and project management.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Field Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $57,409 | $71,874 |
| Hourly rate | $27.60 | $34.55 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 120,125 | 86,015 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
A field engineer's role will vary on the industry or line of work involved. However, the primary responsibility will mostly revolve around handling equipment and machinery, ensuring that they function effectively and safely. It is also the task of a field engineer to oversee the workflow and workforce, giving directions and recommendations when necessary. Furthermore, a field engineer must develop strategies and plans to improve the site's efficiency, produce progress reports, and coordinate with other workers.
Mechanical engineering technologists and field engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Field Engineer | |
| Average salary | $57,409 | $71,874 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $76,000 | Between $51,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering technologist and a field engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Field Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering technologists' and field engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Field Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% |
| 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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |