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The differences between engineering project specialists and industrial engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become an engineering project specialist, becoming an industrial engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineering project specialist has an average salary of $107,780, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for an engineering project specialist include project management, program management and BOM. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Engineering Project Specialist | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $107,780 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $51.82 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 64,773 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
The primary role of an engineering project specialist is overseeing the project process until its completion. They are the ones who are in constant communication with the contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders, from accounting to inventory to deliveries and even to hiring new staff to increase the workforce, so that a project will be completed on time, with no missing parts, and with no fail. If a problem arises, engineering project specialists can troubleshoot and find a timely solution.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Engineering project specialists and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineering Project Specialist | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $107,780 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $164,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Farmington, CT | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an engineering project specialist and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineering Project Specialist | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Business | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | New York University |
Here are the differences between engineering project specialists' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Engineering Project Specialist | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 11.9% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 4% |