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The differences between aerospace engineers and propulsion 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 aerospace engineer and a propulsion engineer. Additionally, an aerospace engineer has an average salary of $100,401, which is higher than the $98,475 average annual salary of a propulsion engineer.
The top three skills for an aerospace engineer include C++, DOD and FAA. The most important skills for a propulsion engineer are propulsion system, CAD, and MATLAB.
| Aerospace Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,401 | $98,475 |
| Hourly rate | $48.27 | $47.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 42,086 | 45,629 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An aerospace engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft and spacecraft. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting tests and procedures to identify faults and inconsistencies, lead production processes, performing repairs and improvements, designing systems, and ensuring that all equipment complies with the safety regulations and standards. They are also responsible for producing technical materials such as reports, proposals, and manuals. Furthermore, there are instances where they must set the policies and standards on the equipment they are developing while utilizing their expertise in mathematics, engineering, and sciences.
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
Aerospace engineers and propulsion engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerospace Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,401 | $98,475 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $140,000 | Between $70,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | - |
| Best paying company | Thrush Aircraft | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between an aerospace engineer and a propulsion engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerospace Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between aerospace engineers' and propulsion engineers' demographics:
| Aerospace Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.8% Female, 11.2% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |