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The differences between electrical systems engineers and project engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an electrical systems engineer, becoming a project engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an electrical systems engineer has an average salary of $86,969, which is higher than the $75,050 average annual salary of a project engineer.
The top three skills for an electrical systems engineer include electrical engineering, electrical systems and system design. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $86,969 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $41.81 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 149,053 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Electrical Systems Engineers have licensed engineers who are usually employed in companies involved in power generating machines and activities. These companies are usually providers for buildings, train systems, and automobiles, among others. The engineer designs power lines and machinations to generate power. They ensure that power is properly distributed throughout the system. They identify risks involving short circuits and the like. They would then look for ways to mitigate these risks and apply the necessary controls. Electrical Systems Engineers should have strong analytical skills and quick decision-making skills.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Electrical systems engineers and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $86,969 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $113,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between an electrical systems engineer and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between electrical systems engineers' and project engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |