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The differences between aerodynamics engineers and process engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an aerodynamics engineer and a process engineer. Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer has an average salary of $99,629, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for an aerodynamics engineer include aerospace, MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,629 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $47.90 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 20,152 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Aerodynamics engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,629 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $142,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | California | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Gulfstream Aerospace | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an aerodynamics engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between aerodynamics engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 4% |