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The differences between field test engineers and electrical controls engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a field test engineer and an electrical controls engineer. Additionally, an electrical controls engineer has an average salary of $82,681, which is higher than the $74,767 average annual salary of a field test engineer.
The top three skills for a field test engineer include field testing, test results and RF. The most important skills for an electrical controls engineer are HMI, PLC, and allen-bradley.
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,767 | $82,681 |
| Hourly rate | $35.95 | $39.75 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 97,199 | 54,037 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Field test engineers evaluate operational performances and recommend improvements if needed. Field test engineers develop standard procedures for field testing and log test results accurately for future reference. Part of their responsibilities is to perform root cause analysis to determine the reason for product failures and develop corrective actions. They document all corrective actions accurately, maintain testing equipment and supplies in good working condition, and collaborate with support engineers in troubleshooting and resolving problems.
An electrical controls engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the organization's electrical tools and equipment, usually in manufacturing and warehouse settings. Electrical controls engineers use their excellent analytical and statistical skills to analyze operational processes and suggest production improvement techniques maximize productivity and reduce service delays. They conduct preventive maintenance on the equipment and machinery, including network and system configuration, to increase efficiency and accuracy. An electrical controls engineer maintains operational reports, including equipment and machinery instructional manuals for reference.
Field test engineers and electrical controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,767 | $82,681 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $96,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Livermore, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Apple | Tallgrass Energy |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a field test engineer and an electrical controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between field test engineers' and electrical controls engineers' demographics:
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 16.8% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |