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The differences between structural analysis engineers and mechanical design 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 structural analysis engineer, becoming a mechanical design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a structural analysis engineer has an average salary of $98,208, which is higher than the $75,821 average annual salary of a mechanical design engineer.
The top three skills for a structural analysis engineer include structural analysis, analysis tools and structural integrity. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,208 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $47.22 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 26,462 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A Structural Analysis Engineer is responsible for evaluating the construction processes of establishments and other industrial properties and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards. Structural Analysis Engineers assess the materials and equipment used for the operations to confirm compliance with the budget limitations and timetables. They also check the structures and foundations of the construction and recommend techniques to enhance the element integrity. A Structural Analysis Engineer designs construction plans, conduct cost and statistical analysis, and coordinates with the clients for progress updates and any adjustments.
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Structural analysis engineers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,208 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $145,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a structural analysis engineer and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between structural analysis engineers' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 19.4% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.4% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |