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The differences between automation engineers and manufacturing 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 manufacturing engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $78,522 average annual salary of a manufacturing engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineer include python, java and PLC. The most important skills for a manufacturing engineer are lean manufacturing, CAD, and solidworks.
| Automation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,597 | $78,522 |
| Hourly rate | $44.52 | $37.75 |
| Growth rate | - | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 133,941 | 115,384 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
Automation engineers and manufacturing engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,597 | $78,522 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $121,000 | Between $60,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between an automation engineer and a manufacturing engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between automation engineers' and manufacturing engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 88.8% Female, 11.2% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 17.0% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |