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The differences between engineers and system design 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 system design engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a system design engineer has an average salary of $107,704, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for an engineer include python, cloud and C++. The most important skills for a system design engineer are system design, architecture, and MATLAB.
| Engineer | System Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,077 | $107,704 |
| Hourly rate | $44.27 | $51.78 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 618,207 | 113,582 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.33 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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 system design engineer is an individual who participates in system design engineering and resolves manufacturing and service problems. System design engineers are required to collaborate with the system design team to research emerging technologies and develop new capabilities. They create design layouts by utilizing the use of CAD software such as AutoCad as well as supervise a group of CAD technicians. System design engineers must also provide customer service in the field and deliver individualized problem solving and system design support
Engineers and system design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineer | System Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,077 | $107,704 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $130,000 | Between $77,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | Huntsville, AL | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Fort Bend County | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an engineer and a system design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineer | System Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between engineers' and system design engineers' demographics:
| Engineer | System Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% |
| 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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 15.4% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |