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The differences between engineering associates and project 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 a project engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a project engineer has an average salary of $75,050, 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 a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Engineering Associate | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,657 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $33.97 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | - | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,421 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Engineering associates and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineering Associate | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,657 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $101,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an engineering associate and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineering Associate | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between engineering associates' and project engineers' demographics:
| Engineering Associate | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.8% Female, 19.2% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| 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, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |