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The differences between test engine mechanics 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 test engine mechanic and a mechanical engineer. Additionally, a test engine mechanic has an average salary of $78,505, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
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.
Test engine mechanics and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Energy |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% 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% |