Compare Physicists & Mechanical Engineers District Of Columbia

Comparison Physicists Mechanical Engineers
Salary

View the mid-level salary in both your current job and your selected occupation. (Annual salaries apply to people who work full-time year-round.)

Physicists $124,500
Mechanical Engineers $118,400

Similar skills & knowledge

These skills are commonly used in both your current job and your selected occupation.

Writing
Writing things for co-workers or customers.

Reading Comprehension
Reading work-related information.

Instructing
Teaching people how to do something.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Speaking
Talking to others.

Active Listening
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Critical Thinking
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Mathematics
Using math to solve problems.

Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Judgment and Decision Making
Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

Complex Problem Solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

Systems Analysis
Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.

Systems Evaluation
Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.

Time Management
Managing your time and the time of other people.

Persuasion
Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Coordination
Changing what is done based on other people's actions.

Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Monitoring
Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

Technology Design
Making equipment and technology useful for customers.


skills & knowledge Gaps

These are areas where you might have skill gaps. People working in your selected job generally need higher levels in these skill and knowledge areas than people working in your current job.

Mechanical Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Physicists
Physicists
Very Low
Mechanical Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
High

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Find Training for this Gap

Design Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Physicists
Physicists
Low
Design Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Very High

Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Troubleshooting Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Physicists
Physicists
Very Low
Troubleshooting Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Medium

Troubleshooting
Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.

Operations Monitoring Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Physicists
Physicists
Low
Operations Monitoring Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Medium

Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

Production and Processing Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Physicists
Physicists
Low
Production and Processing Skills & Knowledge Gaps for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Medium

Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.


Typical Level Of Training

See how much education people typically have in your selected job, and then use the link to find training programs in your local area.

Typical level Of training for Physicists
Physicists

Doctoral or professional degree

Typical level Of training for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers

Licensing

Many states require licenses for certain jobs. See if your selected occupation requires a license and if so, follow the link to find information for your state.

Licensing for Physicists
Physicists

No license found in District of Columbia

Licensing for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers

License may be required in District of Columbia


Certification

Certifications help you get ahead or qualify for different jobs. You usually have to pass a test to earn one, and then you can show employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to do well on the job.

Certification for Physicists
Physicists

2 related certifications

Certification for Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers

27 related certifications

Find Certifications