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The differences between distribution engineers and electrical 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 engineer. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, 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 engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $77,713 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $37.36 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 56,779 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Distribution engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $77,713 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $129,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Redmond, WA |
| 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 engineer in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between distribution engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Distribution Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |