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The differences between test engine mechanics and student 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 student engineer. Additionally, a test engine mechanic has an average salary of $78,505, which is higher than the $71,947 average annual salary of a student engineer.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a student engineer are GPA, C++, and CAD.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Student Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $71,947 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 98,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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 student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
Test engine mechanics and student engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Student Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $71,947 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $54,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | Yakima, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a student engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Student Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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 student engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Student Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |