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The differences between quality engineers 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 a quality engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a quality engineer has an average salary of $79,672, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a quality engineer include corrective action, continuous improvement and ISO. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Quality Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $79,672 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $38.30 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 96,838 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A quality engineer's responsibilities include ensuring that the manufacturing processes are efficient and accurate, documenting findings that would raise concerns, conducting quality tests while observing parameters, and implementing changes as necessary to meet the highest quality standards. Quality engineers need to have excellent problem-solving and observation skills to detect any irregularities and possible malfunctions. They also must be able to communicate effectively with the clients for feedbacks and corrective adjustments, address complaints, and immediately resolve any inconsistencies made.
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.
Quality engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $79,672 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $103,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a quality engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Quality Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between quality engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Quality Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 13.9% White, 65.8% 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 | 4% | 5% |