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The differences between device engineers and special project 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 special project engineer. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| Device Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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 special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.
Device engineers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |