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The differences between engineering assistants and engineering specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an engineering assistant and an engineering specialist. Additionally, an engineering specialist has an average salary of $91,767, which is higher than the $64,402 average annual salary of an engineering assistant.
The top three skills for an engineering assistant include troubleshoot, C++ and worksheets. The most important skills for an engineering specialist are keyword research, google analytics, and digital marketing.
| Engineering Assistant | Engineering Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $64,402 | $91,767 |
| Hourly rate | $30.96 | $44.12 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 53,767 | 74,442 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An engineering assistant is responsible for supporting the engineering department's operations under the supervision of a head engineer. Engineering assistants help with operating tools and equipment, developing and analyzing designs, communicating with clients by responding to their inquiries and concerns, creating project plans, and identifying business opportunities to generate revenues and increase profitability. An engineering assistant must have excellent knowledge of the engineering disciplines and processes to carry out tasks within strict deadlines and under minimal supervision.
The duties of an engineering specialist depend on their line of work or industry of employment. As a specialist, their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing their expertise by designing and developing various systems to improve products and operations, and participate in planning and devising strategies for optimal production performance. They must also identify areas needing improvement, conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the safety and efficiency of facilities, and collaborate with other engineers as needed. Furthermore, there are instances where they have to address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and effectively.
Engineering assistants and engineering specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineering Assistant | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average salary | $64,402 | $91,767 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $99,000 | Between $59,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Enbridge | |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an engineering assistant and an engineering specialist in terms of educational background:
| Engineering Assistant | Engineering Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between engineering assistants' and engineering specialists' demographics:
| Engineering Assistant | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.8% Female, 31.2% | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 11.2% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 10.3% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 7% |