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The differences between engine room operators and watch engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an engine room operator and a watch engineer. Additionally, a watch engineer has an average salary of $91,906, which is higher than the $37,546 average annual salary of an engine room operator.
The top three skills for an engine room operator include troubleshoot, math and safety procedures. The most important skills for a watch engineer are HVAC, plant equipment, and preventive maintenance.
An Engine Room Operator is one who operates and monitors the engines of a ship. This person is responsible for inspecting the engine, managing its operation, and reporting immediately any problems and requests for repairs, troubleshoots, and upgrades for the engine. The maintenance inside the engine room is essential for the continued operation of the ship. Included in the responsibilities is ensuring the engine area's safety and its personnel from any problems, such as fires, preventable mishaps, and accidents.
A watch engineer designs and develops equipment according to project concepts and requirements. Although their responsibilities vary upon their industry or company of employment, it typically includes conducting research and analyses to establish plans, produce prototypes, create and implement test structures, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They may also oversee the performance of staff and provide technical support and guidance as needed. Moreover, as a watch engineer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members for efficient progress.
Engine room operators and watch engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engine Room Operator | Watch Engineer | |
| Average salary | $37,546 | $91,906 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $49,000 | Between $64,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between an engine room operator and a watch engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engine Room Operator | Watch Engineer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between engine room operators' and watch engineers' demographics:
| Engine Room Operator | Watch Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.7% Female, 44.3% | Male, 98.8% Female, 1.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 7.7% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.5% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |