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The differences between automation & controls engineers and telecommunication 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 telecommunication engineer. Additionally, an automation & controls engineer has an average salary of $89,542, which is higher than the $80,789 average annual salary of a telecommunication engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a telecommunication engineer are telecommunication, voip, and RF.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $80,789 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $38.84 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 28,331 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| 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 telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.
Automation & controls engineers and telecommunication engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $80,789 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and a telecommunication engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and telecommunication engineers' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 87.7% Female, 12.3% |
| 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, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |