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The differences between automation engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an automation engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Automation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
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 engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 11% | 5% |