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The differences between model engine mechanics and lead 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 model engine mechanic and a lead engineer. Additionally, a lead engineer has an average salary of $84,927, which is higher than the $76,923 average annual salary of a model engine mechanic.
The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a lead engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Model Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,923 | $84,927 |
| Hourly rate | $36.98 | $40.83 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 69,146 | 301,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A model engine mechanic repairs and deals with small engines that power machinery such as lawn mowers, chain saws, or recreational sporting equipment. They are responsible for diagnosing, adjusting and repairing machinery. They are also responsible for performing routine machinery maintenance, lubricating parts, reinstalling parts, and interacting with the client to explain equipment issues. For this position, they need a mechanics certification.
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Model engine mechanics and lead engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Model Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,923 | $84,927 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $105,000 | Between $60,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Cornerstone Research | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a model engine mechanic and a lead engineer in terms of educational background:
| Model Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between model engine mechanics' and lead engineers' demographics:
| Model Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 16.1% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |