Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between robotics 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 robotics engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a robotics engineer has an average salary of $101,208, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a robotics engineer include python, linux and CAD. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Robotics Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,208 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $48.66 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 61,819 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A robotics engineer is responsible for designing robotic systems to support humans and businesses with their daily activities and operations using various technology systems and metal components. Robotics engineers run multiple diagnostic tests on the machines, identify inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting procedures for defective system components. They also configure the robot's features regularly, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy through different stages of production. A robotics engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, including analytical expertise, to monitor cost-estimates and maintain the project within the budget goals.
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.
Robotics engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Robotics Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,208 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $144,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Energy |
There are a few differences between a robotics engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Robotics Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between robotics engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Robotics Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 17.9% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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% |