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The differences between engineering associates and engineering specialists 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 engineering specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineering specialist has an average salary of $91,767, 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 engineering specialist are keyword research, google analytics, and digital marketing.
| Engineering Associate | Engineering Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $70,657 | $91,767 |
| Hourly rate | $33.97 | $44.12 |
| Growth rate | - | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 87,421 | 74,442 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
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.
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 associates and engineering specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineering Associate | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average salary | $70,657 | $91,767 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $101,000 | Between $59,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Enbridge |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an engineering associate and an engineering specialist in terms of educational background:
| Engineering Associate | Engineering Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between engineering associates' and engineering specialists' demographics:
| Engineering Associate | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.8% Female, 19.2% | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% |
| 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, 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 | 8% | 7% |