Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between test engine mechanics and project 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 project engineer. Additionally, a test engine mechanic has an average salary of $78,505, which is higher than the $75,050 average annual salary of a project engineer.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 176,689 |
| 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.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Test engine mechanics and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Energy |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Project 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 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and project engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |