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The differences between electro optical engineers and cost engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an electro optical engineer and a cost engineer. Additionally, an electro optical engineer has an average salary of $94,958, which is higher than the $87,901 average annual salary of a cost engineer.
The top three skills for an electro optical engineer include system performance, C++ and data analysis. The most important skills for a cost engineer are project management, cost analysis, and construction management.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $94,958 | $87,901 |
| Hourly rate | $45.65 | $42.26 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 12,443 | 65,278 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An electro-optical engineer performs engineering tasks related to electronic and optical devices, creates optical designs, and assists users of laser optics. The essential skills that an electro-optical engineer should possess to perform his/her or her responsibilities include good mathematical and speaking skills and the ability to concentrate to create complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. The education requirements for the job include a college degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
A cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.
Electro optical engineers and cost engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average salary | $94,958 | $87,901 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $132,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lynnwood, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | 3M Company | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Energy |
There are a few differences between an electro optical engineer and a cost engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between electro optical engineers' and cost engineers' demographics:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 15.7% White, 63.6% 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, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |