Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between systems engineers and mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a systems engineer, becoming a mechanical engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems engineer has an average salary of $82,834, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a systems engineer include python, linux and C++. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Systems Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,834 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $39.82 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 145,936 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
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 engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,834 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $109,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between a systems engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between systems engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Systems Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |