As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Mechanics earn an average of $47,990 per year, while Mechanical Engineers earn an average of $97,000 per year. Therefore, the salary for Mechanical Engineers is much higher than that of Automotive Mechanics.
Nevertheless, it's worth noting that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For example, Automotive Mechanics in Washington DC may have higher earnings (averaging $60,580 per year) compared to those in West Virginia ($35,680). As another example, the average salary of Mechanical Engineers in New Mexico is 54% higher than those in Arkansas.
Automotive Mechanics vs Mechanical Engineers overview
Automotive Mechanics and Mechanical Engineers are fundamental to the Motor Vehicle Dealers and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industries respectively. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.
Automotive Mechanic job description
Alternative names: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Automotive Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Automotive Mechanic education and experience
Most Automotive Mechanics (50%) have completed a Post-Secondary Certificate. But this field also includes some employees who have a High School Diploma (43%) and a College Course Certificate (6%). Regarding experience, 28% of Automotive Mechanic occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (25%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.
Automotive Mechanic average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 629,780 Automotive Mechanics in 2021, and the average income they earned annually was $47,990. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $29,010 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $75,100 or more. The average salary has an increase of 2.6% in comparison to the previous year.
Do Automotive Mechanics make good money?
The mean salary of Automotive Mechanics is 18% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260). However, they make 1% less than the mean earnings of the Motor Vehicle Dealers industry ($48,460).
The mean salary of Automotive Mechanics is 18% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
Automotive Mechanics job growth
In 2021, there have been 9,670 more Automotive Mechanic job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 1.6%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -0.9%.
Mechanical Engineer job description
Mechanical Engineers perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Mechanical Engineer education and experience
Becoming a Mechanical Engineer typically involves obtaining a Bachelor's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with an Associate's Degree (7%). Regarding experience, about a quarter of Mechanical Engineer occupations require a 4 to 6 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (26%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Mechanical Engineer average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 278,240 Mechanical Engineers in 2021 and they earned an average of $97,000 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $60,750 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $136,210 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 1.5%.
Do Mechanical Engineers make good money?
Mechanical Engineers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 66% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 6% more than the mean earnings of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
Mechanical Engineers typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 66% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
Mechanical Engineers job growth
The number of Mechanical Engineers being employed has decreased over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 15,720 less job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows a decline of 5.3%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -2.8%.
FAQ
Do Automotive Mechanics or Mechanical Engineers make more?
The average earnings of Mechanical Engineers are 102% higher than those of Automotive Mechanics. On average, Automotive Mechanics make $47,990 per year, while Mechanical Engineers make $97,000.
How long does it take to become an Automotive Mechanic vs Mechanical Engineer?
Automotive Mechanics typically need a Post-Secondary Certificate. It usually takes between 1 year and 2 years to complete a Post-Secondary Certificate. While on the other hand, Mechanical Engineers typically need a Bachelor's Degree. It usually takes around 4 years to complete a Bachelor's Degree.
Is it harder to become an Automotive Mechanic vs Mechanical Engineer?
It is more difficult to become a Mechanical Engineer than an Automotive Mechanic, since it takes 2 more years of education.
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