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The differences between electro optical 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 an electro optical engineer and a special project engineer. Additionally, an electro optical engineer has an average salary of $94,958, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for an electro optical engineer include system performance, C++ and data analysis. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $94,958 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $45.65 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 12,443 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| 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 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.
Electro optical engineers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $94,958 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $132,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lynnwood, WA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | 3M Company | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between an electro optical engineer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between electro optical engineers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 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% |