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The differences between automation specialists and automation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an automation specialist, becoming an automation engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $77,750 average annual salary of an automation specialist.
The top three skills for an automation specialist include digital marketing, email marketing and java. The most important skills for an automation engineer are python, java, and PLC.
| Automation Specialist | Automation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $77,750 | $92,597 |
| Hourly rate | $37.38 | $44.52 |
| Growth rate | 10% | - |
| Number of jobs | 64,079 | 133,941 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An automation specialist is in charge of designing and developing new systems to optimize business operations. Their responsibilities typically revolve around performing research and analysis to determine the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, coordinating with different departments to learn their operational needs, and improving software and hardware. They may also install and repair various equipment, troubleshoot, and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency and smooth workflow. Furthermore, as an automation specialist, it is essential to provide technical support to employees, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
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 specialists and automation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Specialist | Automation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $77,750 | $92,597 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $104,000 | Between $70,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between an automation specialist and an automation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Specialist | Automation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between automation specialists' and automation engineers' demographics:
| Automation Specialist | Automation Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 10.9% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |