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The differences between flight controls engineers and 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 an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a flight controls engineer has an average salary of $99,619, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a flight controls engineer include C++, FAA and flight control systems. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,619 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $47.89 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,807 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| 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.
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.
Flight controls engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,619 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $130,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | - | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | - | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a flight controls engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between flight controls engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Flight Controls Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 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 | 8% | 5% |