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The differences between aerodynamics engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an aerodynamics engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer has an average salary of $99,629, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for an aerodynamics engineer include aerospace, MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,629 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $47.90 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 20,152 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An aerodynamics engineer is an aerodynamics expert who specializes in designing and developing aircraft components and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Among their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, developing prototypes and test structures, coordinating with experts, obtaining certifications, and complying with all the aviation laws and regulations. They may also gather and analyze data of existing systems and equipment to identify its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, an aerodynamics engineer must perform regular maintenance checks and assessments while maintaining an active communication line with staff.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Aerodynamics engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,629 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $142,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Gulfstream Aerospace | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an aerodynamics engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between aerodynamics engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 13.5% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |