You might think that the fields of mechanical and IT engineering couldn’t be less alike. You might be right. Read on through this comparison on mechanical vs IT engineering to find out if your suspicions are correct!

Mechanical vs IT Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field related to the design, testing, analysis, and manufacture of objects ranging from children’s toys to airplanes. More students study mechanical engineering than any other branch of engineering. The discipline is heavily grounded in physics, as mechanical engineers must be experts on the principles that govern force, motion and energy.

Mechanical engineering is a varied field with numerous sub-disciplines. In the broadest terms, a mechanical engineer has the skills to take an idea and come up with the design specifications to make that idea a reality. The proper functioning of all of the products in our daily lives—from nail clippers to automobiles—relies upon the efforts of a mechanical engineer.

Many mechanical engineers spend a large portion of their day sitting in front of a computer using CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software tools. That said, many mechanical engineers also spend time on the production floor overseeing manufacturing processes or in laboratories testing designs.

IT Engineering

Information technology engineering is the implementation, design, and support of computer-based information systems which concentrates on the study of utilizing computers and telecommunications in order to control, gather, store and circulate information. Information Technology is an engineering division, and both software and hardware sectors are parts of Information Technology. In fact when computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is Information Technology, or “InfoTech”.

Today IT has become very recognized. It covers many fields. For instance an IT engineer can perform a variety of duties that range from designing complex computer networks and information databases to installing applications. These duties may include data management, engineering computer hardware, networking, database and software design as well as the management of entire systems.

Mechanical vs IT Engineering Education

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.

Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics, life and physical sciences, as well as design and engineering courses. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize co-ops and internships to prepare students for work in industry.

Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.

IT Engineering

While some positions may only require an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree is generally required to begin a career as an IT engineer. While some colleges and universities may offer a bachelor’s degree in IT engineering, many IT engineers major in fields like mathematics, computer science, information technology, computer engineering or information sciences. No matter the field studied, undergraduate students should make sure to take courses in software engineering, communication technologies, computer programming, computer networking fundamentals and technical writing.

Some advanced research-based positions may require a master’s degree in engineering or information technology. These graduate-level programs require intensive research that helps to build the skills required of many advanced positions in IT engineering. Even after earning a degree, IT engineers should continue their education and stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and tools.

Similar to the above, employers prefer to hire students from an ABET accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.

Mechanical vs IT Engineering Careers

Mechanical Engineering

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects may be best for those who stay abreast of the most recent advances in technology, according to the BLS. Certain related fields, however, should experience significantly faster expansion. For example, the BLS projects that demand for petroleum engineers will grow by 15% during the same time period.

Careers in mechanical engineering offer you the chance to solve problems, drive discovery, and help shape the world. For example, a mechanical engineer in the aerospace field might design robotic probes used to explore the far reaches of the solar system. An engineer working for a medical device manufacturer might develop new diagnostic tools to help detect disease earlier and save lives.

A career in mechanical engineering also provides ample opportunity for career advancement. From 2016 to 2026, the BLS projects that demand for engineering managers will increase by roughly 6%. Many engineers also seek licensure as a PE (Professional Engineer), allowing them to take on leadership roles and provide engineering services directly to the public as independent contractors.

An entry-level mechanical engineer with under 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $62,387. An early career mechanical engineer with between 1 and 4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $67,936. A mid-career mechanical engineer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $79,295. An experienced mechanical engineer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $90,217. In their late career (20 years and higher), mechanical engineers earn an average total compensation of $100,321, according to PayScale.com.

IT Engineering

IT engineers can improve their career opportunities by becoming certified through programs offered by software companies or vendors of products and services. A variety of professional organizations offer voluntary certifications as well. In addition, membership in a professional organization can provide access to professional networking opportunities, continuing education programs and more.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that software development jobs (which are closely related to IT engineering) were expected to rise 21% from 2018-2028, which was much faster than average. Applications software developers earned a mean yearly salary of $108,080 in May 2018, while systems software developers made an average salary of $114,000 per year, according to the BLS.

A software developers average salary, $114,000, is higher than most other technology occupations. For example, a software developer makes thousands more than computer systems analysts, who made an average salary of $87,320 in 2014, and computer programmers, who made about $82,690. However, software developers made about $22,280 less than IT managers, who brought home an average salary of $136,280.

Mechanical vs IT Engineering Job Description

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators.

Job responsibilities of a mechanical engineer include:

• Develop mechanical system design solutions based on engineering principles and be involved in presentation of the solution to customers
• Ensure all relevant safety objectives and legal requirements are observed for all work completed
• Interpret client requirements, identify and address design parameters and engineering problems and ensure solutions are implemented accurately and in budget
• Provide technical support to external and internal customers
• Resolve operational problems related to projects and minimize delays or unexpected cost increases
• Responsible for project success whether project leader or as part of a project team
• Support sales team in pre-sales technical concept and budgeting activities

IT Engineer

Information technology (IT) engineers typically work in a company’s IT department designing, creating, installing or troubleshooting technology and software programs. Some IT engineers work on computer hardware (system engineers) while others (software engineers) work on the software side of their employer’s computer system.  IT engineers may have to provide technical support remotely (by phone, email or chat platforms) or on-site directly with end users. They may be involved in training end users and must be capable of setting up and configuring computers, printers, network equipment and other computer peripherals. 

Job responsibilities of an IT engineer include:

• Designing and installing computer hardware configurations
• Ensuring security software is kept up to date
• Filing monthly reports for the IT Manager
• Fixing hardware, software, and networking issues
• Installing high-level software security systems
• Installing software and networking systems
• Meeting with the IT Manager to discuss system needs
• Responding to general IT requests
• Training staff on newly installed hardware and software systems
• Troubleshooting network and software issues

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