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The differences between test engine mechanics and mechanical designers 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 mechanical designer. Additionally, a test engine mechanic has an average salary of $78,505, which is higher than the $62,541 average annual salary of a mechanical designer.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a mechanical designer are mechanical design, revit, and auto cad.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $62,541 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $30.07 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 65,748 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| 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 mechanical designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.
Test engine mechanics and mechanical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $62,541 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $46,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Energy |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a mechanical designer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and mechanical designers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |