Model engine mechanic vs mechanical engineer

The differences between model engine mechanics and mechanical 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 engineer. Additionally, a model engine mechanic has an average salary of $76,923, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.

The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical engineer overview

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Engineer
Yearly salary	$76,923	$75,352
Hourly rate	$36.98	$36.23
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	69,146	105,618
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	6	6

What does a model engine mechanic do?

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.

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical engineer salary

Model engine mechanics and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Engineer
Average salary	$76,923	$75,352
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $105,000	Between $58,000 And $97,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Cornerstone Research	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Energy

Differences between model engine mechanic and mechanical engineer education

There are a few differences between a model engine mechanic and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Michigan Technological University

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical engineer demographics

Here are the differences between model engine mechanics' and mechanical engineers' demographics:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Engineer
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
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, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between model engine mechanic and mechanical engineer duties and responsibilities

Model engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage automation projects including purchasing, scheduling fabrication and assembly, debugging, and delivery to customer.
Provide fundamental understanding of thermoacoustic mechanism and assistance to device prototyping design of glass incorporating thermoacoustics.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.

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

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical engineer skills

Common model engine mechanic skills

C++, 29%
Linux, 14%
LS-DYNA, 9%
Prototyping, 5%
In-House, 5%
CATIA, 4%

Common mechanical engineer skills

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

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Model Engine Mechanic
Model Engine Mechanic vs Mechanical Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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