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The differences between automation & controls engineers and electrical design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an automation & controls engineer, becoming an electrical design engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation & controls engineer has an average salary of $89,542, which is higher than the $83,944 average annual salary of an electrical design engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an electrical design engineer are electrical design, revit, and electrical systems.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $83,944 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $40.36 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 87,121 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An automation & controls engineer is responsible for designing technology systems to support business operations and maximize productivity, minimizing costing effects, and develop efficient and fast deliverables. Automation & controls engineers analyze client specifications and business requirements, running multiple diagnostic and troubleshooting tests to ensure the accuracy of outputs according to budget limitations and project management procedures. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, especially on writing system codes and a strong command of programming languages.
An electrical design engineer develops electrical systems for different applications. Electrical design engineers create system layouts and specifications. They test the systems and make some adjustments whenever necessary. The solutions they create range from component designs to large systems. The set of skills imperative for this job include good technical abilities, teamwork, motivation for extra work hours, ability to execute job under pressure, and enthusiasm. They should also be savvy in technology and innovation.
Automation & controls engineers and electrical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $83,944 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $63,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and an electrical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and electrical design engineers' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |