Is a process technician an engineer?

Another major difference is the educational credentials needed for each position. For example, becoming a licensed engineer requires completing a four-year college degree, working under the apprenticeship of a more seasoned engineer for at least four years.

This is in addition to passing two intensive competency exams and earning a license from their state's licensure board. Whereas a process technician only needs to have completed a two-year Process Technology Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree.

For their additional education credentials, engineers are paid more, with an average of $73,061 a year. Compare this to a process technician who earns an average of $52,387 a year. The scope of their duties and responsibilities are also different.

Job responsibilities of a process engineer include:

• Developing project plans

• Producing a project budget

• Designing ways to process materials

• Overseeing other staff

• Evaluating products

• Identifying ways to improve products

Job responsibilities of a process technician include:

• Using equipment to refine materials

• Combining materials to produce products

• Maintaining a clean working environment

• Reading blueprints and technical specifications

• Testing products

• Documenting their work