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The differences between drive test 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 drive test engineer and a special project engineer. Additionally, a drive test engineer has an average salary of $76,872, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for a drive test engineer include data collection, GPS and pre. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| Drive Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,872 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $36.96 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 36,537 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
For cars and other automobiles' best performance, drive test engineers can be asked for suggestions. From their expertise, one can ensure that the chosen car is equipped with the necessary accessories such as GPS, Bluetooth hubs, an air conditioner, locks, and USB ports. They train and teach people how to drive safely, following road laws and protocols. They monitor for enhancements and provide reports to stakeholders and managers for its application. They can troubleshoot minor software problems in automobiles.
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.
Drive test engineers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drive Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,872 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $103,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a drive test engineer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Drive Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between drive test engineers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| Drive Test Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 15.9% White, 63.1% 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% |