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The differences between test engine mechanics and 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 test engine mechanic and a design engineer. Additionally, a test engine mechanic has an average salary of $78,505, which is higher than the $77,134 average annual salary of a design engineer.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $77,134 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $37.08 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 138,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
The work of a Test Engine Mechanic involves testing the engine of vehicles. This means constantly lubricating necessary parts of the engine and replacing the spark plugs, for starters. You will also have to test and inspect the engine for any part that's malfunctioning. In cases where a replacement is required, your job is to source components that fit the specifications. Furthermore, you will need to reassemble and reinstall all components of the engines immediately after repairs. To wrap it up, you would also have to keep a record of every inspection, test results, and work done.
A design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Test engine mechanics and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $77,134 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $57,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and design engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 11.7% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |