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The differences between mechanical technicians and mechanical 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 technician and a mechanical engineer. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, which is higher than the $51,367 average annual salary of a mechanical technician.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $51,367 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 106,997 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
The primary job of mechanical technicians is to help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices such as machines and engines. They typically do varied tasks, including evaluating design sketches for new and changing tools, discussing changes with colleagues, and reviewing blueprints and instructions for projects. As a mechanical technician, you are also responsible for estimating equipment life, plant space, and labor costs. To become successful in this role, you need to have an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, excellent communication skills, and mechanical skills.
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 technicians and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $51,367 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.8% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 6% | 5% |