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The differences between device engineers and cost engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a device engineer and a cost engineer. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $87,901 average annual salary of a cost engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a cost engineer are project management, cost analysis, and construction management.
| Device Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $87,901 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $42.26 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 65,278 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A device engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical devices and equipment in adherence to industry or client needs. They may work for companies that produce medical, construction, or even manufacturing devices. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place of employment, they typically include conducting research and analysis, creating prototypes and test structures, coordinating with staff and fellow engineers, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a device engineer participates in developing and promoting safety standards and regulations for the products and the workplace.
A cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.
Device engineers and cost engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $87,901 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a cost engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and cost engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |