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The differences between systems designers and mechanical 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 engineer. Additionally, a systems designer has an average salary of $93,438, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $93,438 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $44.92 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 101,665 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
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.
Systems designers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $93,438 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $125,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Energy |
There are a few differences between a systems designer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between systems designers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Systems Designer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% 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% |