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The differences between facility designers 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 a facility designer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $63,152 average annual salary of a facility designer.
The top three skills for a facility designer include revit, facilities design and space planning. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Facility Designer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $63,152 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $30.36 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 50,714 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
A facility designer specializes in developing establishment plans according to project requirements. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies on every project, it usually includes meeting with clients to conceptualize facility plans, conducting research and analysis, visiting sites to perform measurements and assessments, utilizing special tools and software, and coordinating with engineers and clients. Moreover, a facility designer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Facility designers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Facility Designer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $63,152 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $85,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Media | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a facility designer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Facility Designer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between facility designers' and engineers' demographics:
| Facility Designer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 13% | 5% |