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The differences between test engine mechanics and technical testing engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a test engine mechanic, becoming a technical testing engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a technical testing engineer has an average salary of $88,367, 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 technical testing engineer are test results, schematics, and test procedures.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $88,367 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $42.48 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 100,815 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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 technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers. Your main job is to test various components and features of the product to identify and resolve technical issues. Other duties include organizing and conducting training for junior team members, creating test environments, and identifying the root cause of technical issues.
Test engine mechanics and technical testing engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $88,367 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $62,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | Issaquah, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a technical testing engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and technical testing engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Technical Testing Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| 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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 11.8% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |