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The differences between automation & controls engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an automation & controls engineer and an engineer. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $89,542 average annual salary of an automation & controls engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Automation & controls engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |