Mechanical Engineering VS Mechanical Engineering Technology: Similarities, Difference & Job Outlook

Many people think that mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology are the same, but they are not. As much as they are branches of Engineering, there are many differences between them. This post will outline the similarities, differences, and job outlook in Mechanical Engineering vs. Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Basically, a career in the two of them can be very rewarding and have great outlooks, although one will always be better than the other.

Their requirements as well are similar, but not entirely. Enough has been said already. Let us begin the main discussion.

The table of content is below.

What Is Mechanical Engineering?

It is imperative we know that Many individuals and sites have defined mechanical engineering. However, we are going to give a few definitions basically.

Firstly, Mechanical Engineering is the study of objects and systems in motion. It touches virtually every aspect of modern life, including the human body, a highly complex machine.

Secondly, Mechanical Engineering focuses on designing, manufacturing, testing, and improving mechanical systems, which are used in virtually any industry you can think of.

Lastly, it is the broadest branch of engineering that is very rewarding and involves lifecycle; that is, from design, manufacture till it reaches the marketplace.

What Is Mechanical Engineering Technology?

Wikipedia defines Mechanical Engineering Technology as applying engineering principles and technological developments to create useful products and production machinery.

Basically, it entails a hands-on career path where one improves machinery and processes used in plant operations.

However, technologists must apply current technologies and principles from the machine and product design, production, and material and manufacturing processes.

What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?

The jobs of mechanical engineers are quite tedious. They begin from the design right on till the product reaches its market. Typically, mechanical engineers do the following;

• Analyze problems to see how a mechanical device can solve it
• Design and redesign mechanical devices, creating blueprints so the device can be built
• Develop a prototype of the device and test the prototype
• Analyze the test results and change the design as needed
• Oversee the manufacturing process

What Do Mechanical Engineering Technologists Do?

The main responsibilities of mechanical engineering technologists are highlighted below. They;

• Help engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, and other equipment.
• Assist in product tests.
• Make sketches and rough layouts, record data, make computations, analyze results, and write reports.
• Prepare layouts and drawings of the assembly process and parts to manufacture.
• Estimate labor costs, equipment life, and plant space.
• Test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems.
• Evaluate design drawings by measuring dimensions on the drawings and comparing them with the original specifications.
• Review project instructions and blueprints to ensure that test specifications and procedures are followed and objectives are met.

READ ALSO: 21 Best Cities for Mechanical Engineering Jobs in the World

What Are The Areas Of Specialization For A Mechanical Engineer?

The following are the specialization and areas of interest students studying or who studied mechanical engineering can specialize in. Actually, there are broader ones, but all can be fit into these main four, namely;

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Biomechanics
• Mechanics and Design
• Thermo fluid Sciences

What Are The Areas Of Specialization For A Mechanical Engineering Technologist?

Although many people assume this set of people to be relevant only when the mechanical engineer is unavailable. It really isn’t so. The mechanical engineering technologist has these areas to specialize in;

• Product development
• Machine design and analysis
• Alternative energy
• Materials engineering
• Thermofluids engineering
• Marine systems
• Plastics processing
• Heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC)

What Are Similarities Between A Mechanical Engineer and Mechanical Engineering Technologist?

The mechanical engineer and mechanical engineering technologist perform almost the same duties. In fact, their coursework is very similar to each other. The salary is similar, and they are in the same field of engineering.

What Is The Difference Between Mechanical Engineering And Mechanical Engineering Technology?

There are many differences between mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology.

Mechanical Engineering VS Mechanical Engineering Technology – Difference in Program Outlook

While the mechanical engineering technologist has more hands-on experience, which is a practical experience, than the mechanical engineer, the mechanical engineer has more job prospects.

With a mechanical engineering degree, you will learn the full cycle of an engineering project, from the design to the manufacturing stage.

Also, you will progressively advance your ability to solve complex problems that help others in this world.  

You will also develop professional skills, such as communication (verbal and written), team building, lifelong learning, which are necessary for today’s highly interactive workplace.

A mechanical engineering technology program is unlike a traditional engineering degree; it provides a more practical experience. The focus will be more on application than maths.

For instance, while mechanical engineers are very design and theory-oriented, mechanical engineer technologists focus on putting ideas into action.

Another typical example is this; a mechanical engineer may design a machine based on engineering principles.

But, a mechanical engineer technologist will then analyze this design from the perspective of how the machine would be manufactured and provide feedback to the mechanical engineer.

Next, they will solicit vendors to get the necessary parts, build a prototype, and test it to ensure it meets the requirements.

Over time, they may monitor the machine for quality control and adjust as needed.

Mechanical Engineering VS Mechanical Engineering Technology Salary

According to Payscale, the average salary of a mechanical engineering technologist is $63,342 whereas that of a mechanical engineer is categorized below. With, 1-4 years of experience, you earn an average of $68,061. 5-9 years of experience earns $79,366.

However, on average, the salary of a Mechanical Engineer is $70,734.

Mechanical Engineering VS Mechanical Engineering Technology- Job Outlook

According to BLS, the employment of mechanical engineering technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations. But, for mechanical engineers, it is projected to rise 9% from 2016 to 2026.

Read Also: Aerospace Engineering vs Aeronautical Engineering: Salary, Similarities, Difference & Job Outlook

Education Requirements

Requirements For Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.

The core courses usually include mathematics, life and physical sciences, engineering, and design.

Also, all the courses need to be ABET certified.

Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Technologist

If you want to become a mechanical technologist, you need relevant practical experience.

In the coursework, there are additional laboratory courses. This teaches you how to apply chemical and electrical engineering concepts.

You can also attend vocational training, that is, post-secondary training. To become a technologist, you will need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers.

How Do I Know The Mechanical Engineering Program That Is Best For Me?

Considering all of this information, you may be wondering which degree is right for you.

When it comes to choosing a program, it is important to consider your interests and what kind of learner you are.

For example, if you are motivated by concepts and dream of designing machines or systems, earning a degree in mechanical engineering may be the right choice.

On the other hand, if you enjoy implementing plans and seeing ideas come to life, consider majoring in mechanical engineering technology.

Generally, earning a degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology can prepare you for an exciting future!

What are the Best Mechanical Engineering Schools In the World?

You can choose to attend any of these best schools for mechanical engineering schools and be sure to come out with a certificate that is valid.

•  Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT)
• University of Michigan
• Stanford University
• University of Oxford
• University of Virginia
• Imperial College of London
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Texas, Austin
• The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• University of Cambridge

What are the Best Schools For Mechanical Engineering Technology?

Below is an outline of schools that is good for mechanical engineering technology.

• Grand Canyon University
• Purdue University
• University of Houston
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Oregon Technology

Conclusion

Knowing your abilities is one of the most important factors in determining whether to study mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. For example, if you are motivated by concepts and dream of designing machines or systems, earning a degree in mechanical engineering may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy implementing plans and seeing ideas come to life, consider majoring in mechanical engineering technology. We hope this article helped aid your decision to study either of the aforementioned courses.

References

• https://tryengineering.org/profile/mechanical-technology/
• https://www.gcu.edu/blog/engineering-technology/
• https://www.raise.me/careers/mechanical-engineers

Recommendations

• Best Aerospace Engineering Schools In Ohio
• Best Mechanical Engineering Universities in the U.K 
• aerospace-engineering-vs-operations-technician/
• Study Astronautical Engineering: Best Schools, Careers, and Salaries
• Best Aerospace Engineering Schools In California
• FULLY-SPONSORED ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS

Does this article meet your immediate needs? If yes, click the SHARE button to share with your friends. If no, leave a response on the comment box to express your concern or ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.