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The differences between automation & controls engineers and electrical 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 engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation & controls engineer has an average salary of $89,542, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Automation & controls engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | Redmond, WA |
| 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 engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |