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The differences between device engineers and senior product 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 senior product engineer. Additionally, a senior product engineer has an average salary of $101,685, which is higher than the $97,458 average annual salary of a device engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a senior product engineer are java, product engineering, and continuous improvement.
| Device Engineer | Senior Product Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $101,685 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $48.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 145,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| 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 senior product engineer specializes in optimizing product designs and manufacturing procedures, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They are typically in charge of performing market research and analysis, utilizing the results as a basis in designing new products and upgrading existing designs. Moreover, they coordinate with product development teams to cultivate ideas, develop prototypes and test structures, and oversee the material selection that will make the products possible. As a senior product engineer, it is essential to monitor the entire progress and lead the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Device engineers and senior product engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Senior Product Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $101,685 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $78,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Cloudflare |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a senior product engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Senior Product Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and senior product engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Senior Product Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |