It can be difficult to distinguish between electrical engineering vs. mechanical engineering. Both engineering disciplines involve design and construction.
The fact that modern machinery relies on electronics to make it work makes matters even more confusing. There is a lot of overlap between these two fields. Despite the similarities, electrical and mechanical engineering are distinct enough that they can have their own degrees and careers.
These differences will be clarified by comparing mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. We’ll also discuss the education requirements and job opportunities in each field.
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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING EXPLAINED
Mechanical engineering is a practical discipline where engineers use math and physics to create mechanical systems. Engineers are likely to have been involved in the design, testing, and maintenance of any mechanical device that relies on power to move or function.
Mechanical engineering is a vast field with many engineers working around the world to improve and build mechanical device technologies such as:
- Internal combustion engines
- Aircraft
- Conveyor belt systems
- Ships
- Wind turbines
- Refrigeration units
- Robots
The discipline of mechanical engineering will continue to evolve as technology advances. Mechanical engineers are often at forefront of technological advances in civil and military machinery.
EXPLAINED: ELECTRICAL INGENIEERING
Mechanical engineering is concerned with the mechanical parts of machines and systems, but electrical engineering concerns the creation and use of equipment that produces or uses electricity.
Electrical engineers are essential to our society. They design the microchips that make up your smartphone and the security systems at a nuclear power station. There are many areas of electrical engineering that can be used by people every day. This includes telecommunications and computers as well as nanotechnology.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing all electrical systems and ensuring they are correctly implemented. They also provide ongoing maintenance to ensure that they run smoothly.
However, this blog is all about the major differences between Mechanical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Although the path to becoming a mechanical engineering professional is straightforward, it’s important to make a plan before you set out. The following information about careers in mechanical engineering can help you prepare, from before college to long after graduation.
Notable Skills and Interests
Mechanical engineering is a branch in engineering that heavily relies on mathematics and science. Aspiring mechanical engineers should begin to develop these skills as soon possible, preferably in high school before applying for college.
These skills and areas of expertise will be very useful to you:
- Calculus
- Linear algebra
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Creativity is key to creative problem solving
- Modeling software
- Thermodynamics
- Computer-aided design (CAD), and drafts
- Pneumatics and hydraulics
Potential mechanical engineers need to be passionate about technology and machines, because they will be working with mechanical systems every day.
A mechanical engineer working in a company or organization will often collaborate with other departments, so you need to be able to communicate, manage conflict and work well as a team player.
Education Requirements
You don’t need to be worried if you didn’t get to explore these topics as much before you graduated high school. You’ll begin with the basics when you enter a college-level mechanical engineering program.
A bachelor’s degree is typically in mechanical engineering and will require four years of full time study. It will end in a bachelors of science (BS). Although the curriculum of each institution is different, you can expect to be able to take a variety of science and math classes as well as engineering courses.
Here are some courses that make North Central College’s degree program in mechanical engineering.
- Computer Programming: Introduction
- Introduction to Electrical Engineering
- Electromechanics
- Introduction to Engineering
- Engineering Calculations
- Materials Science I
- Mechanical Design
- Robotics I
- Linear Algebra and Differential Equitation
- Physics I: Heat and Mechanics
- Physics II: Waves, Electromagnetism and Optics
Salary and job opportunities
Mechanical engineering is a highly specialized field of engineering. There is a lot of demand for mechanical engineers. The salaries are also higher than in other engineering fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineer employment is expected to increase at a rate of 7 percent from 2020 to 2030 with an average of over 20,000 new jobs per year.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
The field of electrical engineering is challenging but rewarding and offers many career opportunities. We’ll show you the details to help you decide if you are right for this field.
Notable Skills and Interests
A passion for technology and innovation are essential to succeed as an electrician. Passion is not enough. Professional engineers need to have the following skills and abilities:
- Math (calculus and linear algebra as well as differential equations).
- Applied statistics
- Physics
- Computer engineer programming
- Communication and teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Collecting and analysing data
- Electronic systems design and maintenance
Electrical engineering is more theoretical than mechanical engineering. However, this discipline can be extremely hands-on so you should be ready to sharpen your engineering skills both in theory and in practice.
Education Requirements
Learn how to become an electrician. A BS in electrical engineering is usually the first step to becoming an electrician. Degree programs require four years of full time study, just like mechanical engineering.
You will find a mix of mathematics, physics and computer science in your classes. There will also be “soft skills”, such as ethics and professionalism. Here are some courses that North Central College requires to offer an electrical engineering degree.
- Computer Programming: Introduction
- Computer Organization and Design
- Introduction to Electrical Engineering
- Digital Logic I
- Circuit Analysis I
- Digital and analog signals
- Motors and Actuators
- Engineering Method
- Linear Algebra and Differential Equitation
- Physics II: Waves, Electromagnetism and Optics
Some classes in this program are identical to those in the mechanical engineering program. It’s not a mistake, many core competencies in electrical engineering can be applied to all engineering roles.
While most jobs in electrical engineering require a bachelor’s degree or higher, technicians and electricians may only need a minor. A master’s degree is required for senior roles and higher-paying positions.
Salary and job opportunities
Because of our dependence on electronics, there are many career opportunities in the field of electrical engineering. Salaries can easily reach six figures per annum due to this. The BLS predicts that there will be more than 20,000 jobs in this engineering field between 2020 and 2030.
Let’s look at what these jobs entail and how they pay.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers – These engineers work in various industries–from aerospace to video equipment manufacturing–building and testing electrical devices. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for these engineers is $103,390. This makes it a great time to begin a career in technology creation and improvement.
Electrical Engineering Technologists – Technologists support electrical engineers in the design and construction of electrical components. This role is very similar to an electrical engineer, but requires only an associate’s degree. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for an electrical engineer is $67550
Computer Hardware Engineers – Are you faced with the hard decision of whether to do computer engineering or electrical engineering? Why not combine both? According to the BLS, an electrical engineer can earn an average annual salary $119,560 by focusing on computer hardware. Computer hardware engineers will be in high demand as smart homes and cars continue to gain popularity.
