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The differences between flight controls engineers and avionics engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a flight controls engineer and an avionics engineer. Additionally, a flight controls engineer has an average salary of $99,619, which is higher than the $95,470 average annual salary of an avionics engineer.
The top three skills for a flight controls engineer include C++, FAA and flight control systems. The most important skills for an avionics engineer are FAA, avionics systems, and electrical systems.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,619 | $95,470 |
| Hourly rate | $47.89 | $45.90 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 46,807 | 30,744 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The main task of a flight controls engineer is to monitor the instrument systems of an airplane during the flight. Flight controls engineers communicate with dispatchers, assist the pilot, oversee the fuel, and regulate cabin pressure. They work on the design, state flow testing, and module of the flight control system. Their job includes investigating, recommending, and implementing flight control system solutions. They perform data analysis to ensure compliance with FAA. Also, they provide solutions to issues affecting the operations and developments of flights.
Avionics Engineers are responsible for the design and development of avionics systems. They are involved in implementing economic and innovative techniques for avionic systems manufacturing, testing all parts and systems, rectifying faulty parts, and scheduling maintenance and inspection. They also prepare progress reports to update stakeholders involved, assist in proposals and bid preparation, and develop training programs for their junior engineering staff. Avionics Engineers must always comply with government regulations and industry best practices.
Flight controls engineers and avionics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,619 | $95,470 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $130,000 | Between $67,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Englewood, CO |
| Highest paying state | - | Colorado |
| Best paying company | - | Allegiant International |
| Best paying industry | - | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a flight controls engineer and an avionics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight controls engineers' and avionics engineers' demographics:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 13.0% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |