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Outdoor power equipment mechanic vs mechanical engineer

The differences between outdoor power equipment mechanics and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an outdoor power equipment mechanic, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical engineer has an average salary of $75,352, which is higher than the $45,266 average annual salary of an outdoor power equipment mechanic.

The top three skills for an outdoor power equipment mechanic include mowers, engine repair and routine maintenance. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.

Outdoor power equipment mechanic vs mechanical engineer overview

Outdoor Power Equipment MechanicMechanical Engineer
Yearly salary$45,266$75,352
Hourly rate$21.76$36.23
Growth rate5%2%
Number of jobs48,296105,618
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4441
Years of experience46

Outdoor power equipment mechanic vs mechanical engineer salary

Outdoor power equipment mechanics and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Outdoor Power Equipment MechanicMechanical Engineer
Average salary$45,266$75,352
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $72,000Between $58,000 And $97,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between outdoor power equipment mechanic and mechanical engineer education

There are a few differences between an outdoor power equipment mechanic and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:

Outdoor Power Equipment MechanicMechanical Engineer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorBiologyMechanical Engineering
Most common college-Michigan Technological University

Outdoor power equipment mechanic vs mechanical engineer demographics

Here are the differences between outdoor power equipment mechanics' and mechanical engineers' demographics:

Outdoor Power Equipment MechanicMechanical Engineer
Average age4441
Gender ratioMale, 95.7% Female, 4.3%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 0.6% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 Percentage5%5%

Differences between outdoor power equipment mechanic and mechanical engineer duties and responsibilities

Outdoor power equipment mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Assist customers with any problems they are having regarding grills, lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Operate and maintain forklifts, generators MRAP, numerous military vehicles and tractor-trailer combinations.

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
  • Show more

Outdoor power equipment mechanic vs mechanical engineer skills

Common outdoor power equipment mechanic skills
  • Mowers, 38%
  • Engine Repair, 23%
  • Routine Maintenance, 18%
  • Cost Estimates, 8%
  • Diagnostic Instruments, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
Common mechanical engineer skills
  • CAD, 10%
  • Solidworks, 9%
  • Mechanical Systems, 6%
  • Mechanical Design, 5%
  • HVAC, 5%
  • Plumbing, 4%

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