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The differences between simulation 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 simulation engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a simulation engineer has an average salary of $97,266, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Simulation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A simulation engineer is an engineering professional who uses technical expertise and knowledge of computer simulation technologies to test the performance, durability, and safety of engineering solutions. Simulation engineers must use a virtual environment when working on an incredibly intricate and expensive project such as a new helicopter, satellite, or submarine. They use computer programming languages such as C++ and Fortran to model simulated environment. Simulation engineers are also required to collaborate with the design and production teams so that they can accomplish a specific project.
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.
Simulation engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a simulation engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between simulation engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.0% 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 | 8% | 5% |