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The differences between avionics engineers and staff 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 staff engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a staff engineer has an average salary of $107,530, 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 staff engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Avionics Engineer | Staff Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,470 | $107,530 |
| Hourly rate | $45.90 | $51.70 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 30,744 | 277,011 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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.
Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. Other duties include designing and developing machinery, tools, and engines, solving design problems, and building the manufacturing equipment needed to create their products.
Avionics engineers and staff engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Avionics Engineer | Staff Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,470 | $107,530 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $135,000 | Between $69,000 And $167,000 |
| Highest paying City | Englewood, CO | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | California |
| Best paying company | Allegiant International | Flexport |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an avionics engineer and a staff engineer in terms of educational background:
| Avionics Engineer | Staff Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between avionics engineers' and staff engineers' demographics:
| Avionics Engineer | Staff Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% |
| 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, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |