Trystan Casey
Mechanical engineering and electrical engineering are two broad categories of engineering with a lot of overlap. Both fields require a bachelor's degree and have similar first-year curriculums, with students taking classes in mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles. They also require a blend of coursework and laboratory research, as well as strong mathematical and mechanical skills, and the ability to identify and solve problems. Mechanical engineers tend to focus on the physical components of machines, while electrical engineers focus on the electronic components. However, both types of engineers may work for the same types of organizations and can work together in tandem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | Mechanical Engineers: $88,035 per year; Electrical Engineers: $93,386 per year |
| Occupational Outlook | Mechanical Engineers: 281,290 jobs; Electrical Engineers: 185,430 jobs |
| Expected Growth | Mechanical Engineers: 11%; Electrical Engineers: 9% |
| Curriculum Overlap | Mathematics, Physics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Manufacturing Processes, Control Systems, Fluid Dynamics |
| Technical Skills Overlap | Troubleshooting, Quality and Safety Assurance, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Innovation |
| Specialisations | Mechanical Engineers: Aerospace, Automotive, Biomedical, Materials Science; Electrical Engineers: Communications, Designing Individual Projects, Construction |
| Work Environment | Mechanical Engineers: Offices, Laboratories, Manufacturing Floors; Electrical Engineers: Research and Development, Manufacturing, Engineering Service, Telecommunications, Sites |
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What You'll Learn
Similar skill sets
Mechanical and electrical engineering have similar skill sets and areas of overlap. Both professions are in high demand across various industries and require a bachelor's degree accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Additionally, both fields require a heavy dose of creativity, mathematical and mechanical skills, and the ability to identify and solve problems.
In terms of curriculum, the first few years of undergraduate programs in both mechanical and electrical engineering will involve taking classes in mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles. Students will then move on to more specialized coursework. Mechanical engineers will focus on mechanical systems and materials science, while electrical engineers will take more courses in electronic devices and circuits. However, both majors will have courses in thermodynamics, mechanics, manufacturing processes, control systems, and fluid dynamics.
Both mechanical and electrical engineers are involved in the design, development, and testing of systems and devices. Mechanical engineers design mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, focusing on the practical use of engineering. They work on a variety of machines, from medical devices to automobiles, and use computers to integrate sensors and control systems. Electrical engineers, on the other hand, focus on finding the best way to deliver electricity and design electrical circuits and systems. They work with computer hardware and electronic components, and their work often involves research and development, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
Another area of overlap between the two disciplines is in their job responsibilities. Both mechanical and electrical engineers may be involved in conducting research to develop new products, troubleshooting technology, and implementing quality and safety assurance protocols. They may also work for the same types of organizations, such as semiconductor manufacturers, navigation systems designers, or utility service providers.
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Similar employers
Electrical and mechanical engineering roles share many similarities, and as such, professionals in either discipline may work for similar employers and organisations. Electrical engineers often work in the computer industry, telecommunications, or utilities, while mechanical engineers are usually employed in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. However, there is a significant overlap, and both types of engineers may find themselves working for semiconductor manufacturers, navigation systems designers, or utility service providers.
Mechanical and electrical engineers are often in demand across the same industries, albeit in slightly different roles. For example, in the aerospace industry, a mechanical engineer might design the engine of a plane, while an electrical engineer might design its electrical system. In the automotive industry, a mechanical engineer may design the engine of a car, while an electrical engineer may design the electrical system.
Both types of engineers may also be employed in the manufacturing industry, with mechanical engineers focusing on the physical components of machines and electrical engineers focusing on the electronic components. Electrical engineers may design and develop semiconductors and microchips for software and hardware, while mechanical engineers may work on the assembly and testing of mechanical systems and devices.
The construction industry is another sector where both electrical and mechanical engineers may find employment. Electrical engineers may plan and install electrical equipment in buildings, while mechanical engineers may design and build material handling systems such as pulleys and conveyor belts.
Other common employers for both electrical and mechanical engineers include semiconductor manufacturers, electronics manufacturers, and utility companies. Both types of engineers may also work in research and development, academia, and defence industries.
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Similar undergraduate curriculums
Electrical and mechanical engineering are two well-respected engineering fields that offer high salaries and a wide range of degree specializations. Both disciplines require a strong foundation in mathematics and science, and students interested in either field should carefully consider their career goals and interests before choosing a program of study.
Most undergraduate engineering programs, whether mechanical or electrical, will have a similar curriculum in the first few years. Students will take classes in mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles before moving on to more specialized coursework. The math involved in both disciplines is quite similar and more intense than in nearly all other engineering courses, including calculus. Students can expect to learn math at a calculus level.
In terms of specific courses, mechanical engineering may feature classes in design, physics, thermodynamics, engineering materials, chemistry, and visual communication. On the other hand, electrical engineering typically focuses on electrical circuit theory, equations, computer science, communications, controls, magnetism, and signals.
Despite these differences, there are some commonalities in the curriculum. For example, both mechanical and electrical engineering programs will include courses in thermodynamics, mechanics, manufacturing processes, control systems, and fluid dynamics. Additionally, electronics and circuits classes are included in both mechanical and electrical engineering curricula.
In summary, while there are some differences in the specific courses offered in mechanical and electrical engineering programs, there is significant overlap in the first few years of undergraduate study. Students in either program can expect to take classes in mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles before specializing.
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Similar job responsibilities
Electrical and mechanical engineering have several similarities in job responsibilities. Both professionals are highly sought after across various industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. Electrical engineers are particularly in demand in the computer industry, telecommunications, and utilities.
Both types of engineers are responsible for designing, developing, building, and testing devices and equipment. Mechanical engineers tend to focus on the physical components of machines, while electrical engineers focus on the electronic components. For example, a mechanical engineer might design a car engine, while an electrical engineer might design the electrical system. Electrical engineers also take part in each stage of designing, supervising, manufacturing, and testing electrical equipment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Both roles require investigation, analysis, and design of equipment and devices. They both need to understand mathematics and have strong mechanical skills. Electrical engineers need to understand electronic theory to create circuits, while mechanical engineers need to understand fluid dynamics, movement, force, inertia, and the physical properties of materials.
There is also an overlap in the technical skills of electrical and mechanical engineers, which they apply at different stages of the production process. They both use technology to run simulations and test their work, including CAD, CAE, and CAM. Both types of engineers may also work together on research to develop new products or improve existing ones, and they may work together on troubleshooting technology to improve safety.
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Similar salaries
Electrical and mechanical engineers have similar salaries, with electrical engineers earning a slightly higher average salary than mechanical engineers. Electrical engineers earn an average salary of $93,386 per year, while mechanical engineers earn around $88,035 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a mechanical engineer was $95,300 in 2021, while the median annual wage for an electrical engineer was $100,420. Electrical engineering is considered to be a more challenging degree, and the higher salaries reflect the greater demand for these engineers.
The salaries for both roles can vary depending on experience, location, and industry. Electrical engineers with more experience can expect to earn more, with some reports stating an average salary of $105,220 to $117,680. Mechanical engineers can also expect a variation in salary, with some reports giving a figure of $105,220 as the average. These salaries are well above the national average and reflect the high level of expertise and responsibility required for these roles.
The demand for both types of engineers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033. Electrical engineering may experience a 3% growth by 2031, while mechanical engineering may increase by 2% in the same period. This steady occupational outlook contributes to the overall similarity in salaries between the two fields.
In terms of specializations, electrical engineers often work in the computer industry, telecommunications, or utilities. Mechanical engineers are employed in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing companies. Electrical engineers may specialize in designing individual projects or working with construction teams to install electrical equipment. Mechanical engineers can specialize in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or materials science and engineering. These specializations can impact the salaries earned by professionals in each field.
Overall, while there are slight differences in average salaries between electrical and mechanical engineers, the two fields offer highly rewarding and lucrative career paths with similar earning potential. The specific salary earned will depend on various factors, including experience, location, industry, and specialization.
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Frequently asked questions
Both electrical and mechanical engineering require a heavy dose of creativity, mathematical and mechanical skills, and the ability to identify and solve problems.
Electrical engineers often work in the computer industry, telecommunications, or utilities. Mechanical engineers are often employed in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
Electrical engineers need to understand mathematics, electronic theory, and computer programs. Mechanical engineers need to have a strong understanding of fluid dynamics, movement, force, inertia, and materials and their physical properties.
Electrical engineers may specialize in communications, focusing on the transmission of messages through channels like radio, broadcasting, and the internet. Mechanical engineers can specialize in automotive, construction, electronics, robotics, or biomedical engineering.
