Mechanist vs mechanical engineer

The differences between mechanists and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a mechanist, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, which is higher than the $36,562 average annual salary of a mechanist.

The top three skills for a mechanist include pump equipment, operate cnc and cnc machines. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.

Mechanist vs mechanical engineer overview

	Mechanist	Mechanical Engineer
Yearly salary	$36,562	$75,352
Hourly rate	$17.58	$36.23
Growth rate	1%	2%
Number of jobs	3,746	105,618
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age	48	41
Years of experience	4	6

Mechanist vs mechanical engineer salary

Mechanists and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mechanist	Mechanical Engineer
Average salary	$36,562	$75,352
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $52,000	Between $58,000 And $97,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Meta
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between mechanist and mechanical engineer education

There are a few differences between a mechanist and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:

	Mechanist	Mechanical Engineer
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	-	Michigan Technological University

Mechanist vs mechanical engineer demographics

Here are the differences between mechanists' and mechanical engineers' demographics:

	Mechanist	Mechanical Engineer
Average age	48	41
Gender ratio	Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%	Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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	3%	5%

Differences between mechanist and mechanical engineer duties and responsibilities

Mechanist example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
Appraise and diagnose problems with locomotives.
Service and overhaul locomotives as required.

Mechanical engineer example responsibilities.

Manage machine shop and Sr. Machinist/Toolmaker.
Lead the implementation of Syteline MRP software.
Manage component work orders and failure test scheduling to parts as per DFMEA with design team.
Use of PLM software tools such as WindChill to manage data, revisions, iterations and approvals.
Lead a brainstorming session for review with supplier & management and follow through the successful implementation of a corrective action.
Attain SolidWorks CSWP certification and maintaining proficiency within CREO & AutoCad

Mechanist vs mechanical engineer skills

Common mechanist skills

Pump Equipment, 28%
Operate CNC, 26%
CNC Machines, 14%
Diesel Engines, 13%
Drill Press, 10%
RAN, 10%

Common mechanical engineer skills

CAD, 10%
Solidworks, 9%
Mechanical Systems, 6%
Mechanical Design, 5%
HVAC, 5%
Plumbing, 4%