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The differences between device engineers and process engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a device engineer, becoming a process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Device Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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 Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Device engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | California | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |