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The differences between mechatronics engineers and software 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 mechatronics engineer, becoming a software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Mechatronics Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,419 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $36.26 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 82,414 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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 software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Mechatronics engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechatronics Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,419 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $116,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a mechatronics engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechatronics Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between mechatronics engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Mechatronics Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |