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The differences between avionics engineers and senior 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 avionics engineer, becoming a senior engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior engineer has an average salary of $108,743, 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 senior engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,470 | $108,743 |
| Hourly rate | $45.90 | $52.28 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 30,744 | 343,200 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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 senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
Avionics engineers and senior engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,470 | $108,743 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $135,000 | Between $82,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Englewood, CO | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | California |
| Best paying company | Allegiant International | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an avionics engineer and a senior engineer in terms of educational background:
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between avionics engineers' and senior engineers' demographics:
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |