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The differences between distribution engineers and electrical controls engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a distribution engineer and an electrical controls engineer. Additionally, an electrical controls engineer has an average salary of $82,681, which is higher than the $77,713 average annual salary of a distribution engineer.
The top three skills for a distribution engineer include aided design, GIS and CAD. The most important skills for an electrical controls engineer are HMI, PLC, and allen-bradley.
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $77,713 | $82,681 |
| Hourly rate | $37.36 | $39.75 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 56,779 | 54,037 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
The duties of a distribution engineer depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around installing and repairing power distribution systems, understanding blueprints, devising strategies to optimize performances, coordinating with different engineers and technicians, and developing new power systems. They must also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency and quality of distribution systems. Furthermore, as an engineer, it is essential to implement the company's policies and regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
An electrical controls engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the organization's electrical tools and equipment, usually in manufacturing and warehouse settings. Electrical controls engineers use their excellent analytical and statistical skills to analyze operational processes and suggest production improvement techniques maximize productivity and reduce service delays. They conduct preventive maintenance on the equipment and machinery, including network and system configuration, to increase efficiency and accuracy. An electrical controls engineer maintains operational reports, including equipment and machinery instructional manuals for reference.
Distribution engineers and electrical controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $77,713 | $82,681 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $129,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Apple | Tallgrass Energy |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a distribution engineer and an electrical controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between distribution engineers' and electrical controls engineers' demographics:
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |