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The differences between data engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a data engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a data engineer has an average salary of $109,675, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a data engineer include python, java and cloud. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Data Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,675 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $52.73 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 303,105 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A data engineer is someone who makes data science possible. This IT job requires the search for data set trends and algorithm development to make raw data more beneficial to the enterprise. Data engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that permits other data functions. The necessary skills for the job include in-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages and SQL database design. Among the other skills data engineers should develop include data warehousing and architecture, data mining and modeling, and statistical regression analysis.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Data engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,675 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $149,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a data engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Data Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between data engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Data Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |