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The differences between automation & controls engineers and special project 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 a special project engineer. Additionally, an automation & controls engineer has an average salary of $89,542, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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.
A special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.
Automation & controls engineers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |