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The differences between engineering associates and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an engineering associate, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $70,657 average annual salary of an engineering associate.
The top three skills for an engineering associate include python, java and CAD. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Engineering Associate | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,657 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $33.97 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,421 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 50 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
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.
Engineering associates and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineering Associate | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,657 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $101,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an engineering associate and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineering Associate | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between engineering associates' and engineers' demographics:
| Engineering Associate | Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.8% Female, 19.2% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |