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The differences between distribution engineers and field 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 a field engineer. Additionally, a distribution engineer has an average salary of $77,713, which is higher than the $71,874 average annual salary of a field engineer.
The top three skills for a distribution engineer include aided design, GIS and CAD. The most important skills for a field engineer are customer service, customer satisfaction, and project management.
| Distribution Engineer | Field Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $77,713 | $71,874 |
| Hourly rate | $37.36 | $34.55 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 56,779 | 86,015 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
A field engineer's role will vary on the industry or line of work involved. However, the primary responsibility will mostly revolve around handling equipment and machinery, ensuring that they function effectively and safely. It is also the task of a field engineer to oversee the workflow and workforce, giving directions and recommendations when necessary. Furthermore, a field engineer must develop strategies and plans to improve the site's efficiency, produce progress reports, and coordinate with other workers.
Distribution engineers and field engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distribution Engineer | Field Engineer | |
| Average salary | $77,713 | $71,874 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $129,000 | Between $51,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a distribution engineer and a field engineer in terms of educational background:
| Distribution Engineer | Field Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between distribution engineers' and field engineers' demographics:
| Distribution Engineer | Field Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.2% Female, 11.8% | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% |
| 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, 11.5% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |