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The differences between flight test 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 test engineer and an avionics engineer. Additionally, an avionics engineer has an average salary of $95,470, which is higher than the $90,538 average annual salary of a flight test engineer.
The top three skills for a flight test engineer include control room, data analysis and test procedures. The most important skills for an avionics engineer are FAA, avionics systems, and electrical systems.
| Flight Test Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,538 | $95,470 |
| Hourly rate | $43.53 | $45.90 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 26,384 | 30,744 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A flight test engineer is primarily in charge of testing and overseeing aircraft performances, ensuring every aspect aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other governing agencies' policies and regulations. Their responsibilities revolve around planning and developing efficient test structures and criteria, examining mechanical and electrical systems, coordinating with other staff to gather necessary documentation, assessing risks, and identifying an aircraft's strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, as a flight test engineer, it is essential to analyze data and produce extensive reports that explain all test procedures and observations in detail.
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 test engineers and avionics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Test Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $90,538 | $95,470 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $123,000 | Between $67,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | Englewood, CO |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Colorado |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Allegiant International |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a flight test engineer and an avionics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Test Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | 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 test engineers' and avionics engineers' demographics:
| Flight Test Engineer | Avionics Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.7% 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% |