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The differences between mechanical engineering technologists and student 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 a student engineer. Additionally, a student engineer has an average salary of $71,947, 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 student engineer are GPA, C++, and CAD.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Student Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $57,409 | $71,947 |
| Hourly rate | $27.60 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 120,125 | 98,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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.
A student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
Mechanical engineering technologists and student engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Student Engineer | |
| Average salary | $57,409 | $71,947 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $76,000 | Between $54,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Yakima, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a mechanical engineering technologist and a student engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Student Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mechanical engineering technologists' and student engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Engineering Technologist | Student Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |