Model engine mechanic vs project engineer

The differences between model engine mechanics and project 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 project engineer. Additionally, a model engine mechanic has an average salary of $76,923, which is higher than the $75,050 average annual salary of a project engineer.

The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.

Model engine mechanic vs project engineer overview

	Model Engine Mechanic	Project Engineer
Yearly salary	$76,923	$75,050
Hourly rate	$36.98	$36.08
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	69,146	176,689
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 project engineer do?

A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.

Model engine mechanic vs project engineer salary

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

	Model Engine Mechanic	Project Engineer
Average salary	$76,923	$75,050
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $105,000	Between $55,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Cornerstone Research	Apple
Best paying industry	Technology	Energy

Differences between model engine mechanic and project engineer education

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

	Model Engine Mechanic	Project 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	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Model engine mechanic vs project engineer demographics

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

	Model Engine Mechanic	Project Engineer
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between model engine mechanic and project 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.

Project engineer example responsibilities.

Manage TCP/IP LAN environment for the time during implementation.
Support and manage the development of a CNC base electron beam drill.
Lead a MGPP six sigma project to improve the accuracy of 3D clutch cooling analysis
Manage the BHP enterprise wide migration from e-rooms to SharePoint for document management and team collaboration.
Manage the installation of a CNC laser cutting system with full responsibility for all aspects of the project.
Coordinate and manage activities of the 787-9 IPT's to complete the specific aircraft side of the test cells.

Model engine mechanic vs project engineer skills

Common model engine mechanic skills

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

Common project engineer skills

Project Management, 12%
Autocad, 7%
Construction Management, 6%
CAD, 4%
UL, 4%
Cost Estimates, 3%

Model Engine Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Model Engine Mechanic related careers

Model Engine Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Architecture and Engineering Industry
Model Engine Mechanic
Model Engine Mechanic vs Project Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse architecture and engineering jobs