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The differences between engineers and tool 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 engineer and a tool engineer. Additionally, a tool engineer has an average salary of $101,135, 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 tool engineer are python, java, and CAD.
| Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,077 | $101,135 |
| Hourly rate | $44.27 | $48.62 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 618,207 | 98,936 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.33 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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 tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
Engineers and tool engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,077 | $101,135 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $130,000 | Between $75,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Huntsville, AL | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Fort Bend County | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an engineer and a tool engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between engineers' and tool engineers' demographics:
| Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |