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The differences between mechatronics engineers and mechanical design 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 mechatronics engineer and a mechanical design engineer. Additionally, a mechanical design engineer has an average salary of $75,821, which is higher than the $75,419 average annual salary of a mechatronics engineer.
The top three skills for a mechatronics engineer include mechatronics, python and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Mechatronics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,419 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $36.26 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 82,414 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A mechatronics engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical systems to produce different products, ensuring quality and smooth workflow. They may also assess existing systems and implement improvements for optimal performance. Typically, a mechatronics engineer's responsibilities revolve around devising test structures to identify any vulnerabilities in the machines, performing regular maintenance checks to ensure safety and efficiency, and recommending solutions to improve other facilities. Furthermore, they may also conduct research and analysis, prepare progress reports and presentations, and participate in training new members of the workforce.
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Mechatronics engineers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechatronics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,419 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $116,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechatronics engineer and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechatronics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between mechatronics engineers' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Mechatronics Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 16.9% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.4% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |