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The differences between automation engineers and lead 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 a lead engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $84,927 average annual salary of a lead engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for a lead engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Automation Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $84,927 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $40.83 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 301,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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.
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Automation engineers and lead engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $84,927 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $60,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and a lead engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and lead engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |