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The differences between systems designers and mechanical design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a systems designer and a mechanical design engineer. Additionally, a systems designer has an average salary of $93,438, which is higher than the $75,821 average annual salary of a mechanical design engineer.
The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for a mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $93,438 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $44.92 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 101,665 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
In the information technology industry, a systems designer specializes in creating systems in adherence to the client or company's needs. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis, gathering and analyzing operational data and client feedback, subjecting designs in a variety of tests, coordinating with engineers, troubleshooting problems, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also assess existing systems and design enhancements as needed. Moreover, a systems designer may provide technical support and guidance to staff while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
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.
Systems designers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $93,438 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $125,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a systems designer and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between systems designers' and mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 16.5% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 5% | 5% |