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The differences between distribution engineers and electrical design 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 design engineer. Additionally, an electrical design engineer has an average salary of $83,944, 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 design engineer are electrical design, revit, and electrical systems.
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $77,713 | $83,944 |
| Hourly rate | $37.36 | $40.36 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 56,779 | 87,121 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 design engineer develops electrical systems for different applications. Electrical design engineers create system layouts and specifications. They test the systems and make some adjustments whenever necessary. The solutions they create range from component designs to large systems. The set of skills imperative for this job include good technical abilities, teamwork, motivation for extra work hours, ability to execute job under pressure, and enthusiasm. They should also be savvy in technology and innovation.
Distribution engineers and electrical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $77,713 | $83,944 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $129,000 | Between $63,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a distribution engineer and an electrical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between distribution engineers' and electrical design engineers' demographics:
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |