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The differences between model engine mechanics 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 model engine mechanic and a mechanical design engineer. Additionally, a model engine mechanic has an average salary of $76,923, which is higher than the $75,821 average annual salary of a mechanical design engineer.
The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Model Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,923 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $36.98 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 69,146 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 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.
Model engine mechanics and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Model Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,923 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $105,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Cornerstone Research | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a model engine mechanic and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Model Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between model engine mechanics' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Model Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 3.2% 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% |