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The differences between process engineering managers and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a process engineering manager, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a process engineering manager has an average salary of $124,640, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a process engineering manager include project management, sigma and lean manufacturing. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Process Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $124,640 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $59.92 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,396 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
A process engineering manager is responsible for evaluating the production and manufacturing processes and identify areas of improvement to enhance the quality of deliverables and maximize the staff's productivity. Process engineering managers develop cost-efficient techniques and resources that would meet the budget limitations and business requirements. They also handle the resolution for process failures and coordinate with the process engineers for immediate solutions to avoid its reoccurrence. A process engineering manager must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, especially in determining opportunities that would enhance efficiency and result in more outputs.
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.
Process engineering managers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $124,640 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $165,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Emergent BioSolutions | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a process engineering manager and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between process engineering managers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Process Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 12.7% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 9% | 5% |