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The differences between test engine mechanics and senior 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 senior engineer. Additionally, a senior engineer has an average salary of $108,743, which is higher than the $78,505 average annual salary of a test engine mechanic.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a senior engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $108,743 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $52.28 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 343,200 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
Test engine mechanics and senior engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $108,743 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $82,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a senior engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and senior engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Engineer | |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |