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The differences between automation leads and automation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an automation lead and an automation engineer. Additionally, an automation lead has an average salary of $106,261, which is higher than the $92,597 average annual salary of an automation engineer.
The top three skills for an automation lead include java, python and C++. The most important skills for an automation engineer are python, java, and PLC.
| Automation Lead | Automation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $106,261 | $92,597 |
| Hourly rate | $51.09 | $44.52 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 36,010 | 133,941 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An Automation Lead is primarily in charge of testing and operating automated machinery in manufacturing facilities. They typically work together with automation teams, adhere to guidelines and protocols, meet project requirements, and produce progress reports. There are also instances when an automation lead may participate in conceptualizing machinery, conducting research and analyses, and addressing issues and concerns. Moreover, an Automation Lead usually works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Automation leads and automation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Lead | Automation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $106,261 | $92,597 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $137,000 | Between $70,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Retail |
There are a few differences between an automation lead and an automation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Lead | Automation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between automation leads' and automation engineers' demographics:
| Automation Lead | Automation Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |