Engineer vs accelerator operator

The differences between engineers and accelerator operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an engineer, becoming an accelerator operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $75,221 average annual salary of an accelerator operator.

The top three skills for an engineer include python, cloud and C++. The most important skills for an accelerator operator are RF, R, and computer control systems.

Engineer vs accelerator operator overview

	Engineer	Accelerator Operator
Yearly salary	$92,077	$75,221
Hourly rate	$44.27	$36.16
Growth rate	2%	-17%
Number of jobs	618,207	32,157
Job satisfaction	4.33	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	41	38
Years of experience	6	4

Engineer vs accelerator operator salary

Engineers and accelerator operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Engineer	Accelerator Operator
Average salary	$92,077	$75,221
Salary range	Between $65,000 And $130,000	Between $43,000 And $128,000
Highest paying City	Huntsville, AL	-
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	-
Best paying company	Fort Bend County	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between engineer and accelerator operator education

There are a few differences between an engineer and an accelerator operator in terms of educational background:

	Engineer	Accelerator Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Physics
Most common college	Michigan Technological University	Stanford University

Engineer vs accelerator operator demographics

Here are the differences between engineers' and accelerator operators' demographics:

	Engineer	Accelerator Operator
Average age	41	38
Gender ratio	Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%	Male, 83.0% Female, 17.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.4% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	5%	8%

Differences between engineer and accelerator operator duties and responsibilities

Engineer example responsibilities.

Manage startup, trouble shooting and testing of PLC control equipment.
Lead project team to design and FDA validate 10-up extreme accuracy vial dosing system and CIP/SIP automate cleaning equipment.
Automate the creation of a WebLogic Admin and manage server deployment scheme within an installer for secure application deployment.
Install and test PLC in client own equipment on site - solve some logical and hardware issues to accomplish goal
Implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS.
Manage Terraform and refactore from monolithic to application specific components.

Accelerator operator example responsibilities.

Manage the development and implementation of a PMO infrastructure including responsibility for recruiting, hiring, training and performance management.
Operate & maintain high current cyclotrons used for production of medical radio-isotopes.
Review loans that are scheduled for foreclosure auction ensure that they meet all applicable qualifications, investor guidelines and legal requirements.
Devise and document system specifications, tuning methods, and other operating procedures for ReA and the CCF.
Identify business through analyzing results, sales plan and effectively utilize payroll hours

Engineer vs accelerator operator skills

Common engineer skills

Python, 8%
Cloud, 6%
C++, 5%
C #, 5%
AWS, 5%
Java, 4%

Common accelerator operator skills

RF, 62%
R, 21%
Computer Control Systems, 17%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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