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The differences between engineers and process engineers 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 a process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for an engineer include python, cloud and C++. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,077 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $44.27 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 618,207 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.33 | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,077 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $130,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Huntsville, AL | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Fort Bend County | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |