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The differences between flight controls engineers and controls engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a flight controls engineer, becoming a controls engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a flight controls engineer has an average salary of $99,619, which is higher than the $84,532 average annual salary of a controls engineer.
The top three skills for a flight controls engineer include C++, FAA and flight control systems. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,619 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $47.89 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 46,807 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Flight controls engineers and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,619 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $130,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a flight controls engineer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight controls engineers' and controls engineers' demographics:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |