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The differences between aerodynamics engineers and student 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 a student engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer has an average salary of $99,629, which is higher than the $71,947 average annual salary of a student engineer.
The top three skills for an aerodynamics engineer include aerospace, MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics. The most important skills for a student engineer are GPA, C++, and CAD.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,629 | $71,947 |
| Hourly rate | $47.90 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 20,152 | 98,036 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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.
A student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
Aerodynamics engineers and student engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,629 | $71,947 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $142,000 | Between $54,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Yakima, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Gulfstream Aerospace | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an aerodynamics engineer and a student engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between aerodynamics engineers' and student engineers' demographics:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |