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The differences between aerodynamics engineers and tool 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 tool engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tool engineer has an average salary of $101,135, which is higher than the $99,629 average annual salary of an aerodynamics engineer.
The top three skills for an aerodynamics engineer include aerospace, MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics. The most important skills for a tool engineer are python, java, and CAD.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,629 | $101,135 |
| Hourly rate | $47.90 | $48.62 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 20,152 | 98,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| 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 tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
Aerodynamics engineers and tool engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,629 | $101,135 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $142,000 | Between $75,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Gulfstream Aerospace | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an aerodynamics engineer and a tool engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between aerodynamics engineers' and tool engineers' demographics:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |