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The differences between avionics engineers and propulsion 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 avionics engineer and a propulsion engineer. Additionally, a propulsion engineer has an average salary of $98,475, which is higher than the $95,470 average annual salary of an avionics engineer.
The top three skills for an avionics engineer include FAA, avionics systems and electrical systems. The most important skills for a propulsion engineer are propulsion system, CAD, and MATLAB.
| Avionics Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,470 | $98,475 |
| Hourly rate | $45.90 | $47.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 30,744 | 45,629 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Avionics Engineers are responsible for the design and development of avionics systems. They are involved in implementing economic and innovative techniques for avionic systems manufacturing, testing all parts and systems, rectifying faulty parts, and scheduling maintenance and inspection. They also prepare progress reports to update stakeholders involved, assist in proposals and bid preparation, and develop training programs for their junior engineering staff. Avionics Engineers must always comply with government regulations and industry best practices.
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
Avionics engineers and propulsion engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Avionics Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,470 | $98,475 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $135,000 | Between $70,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Englewood, CO | - |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | - |
| Best paying company | Allegiant International | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between an avionics engineer and a propulsion engineer in terms of educational background:
| Avionics Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between avionics engineers' and propulsion engineers' demographics:
| Avionics Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |