Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between flight test engineers and propulsion 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 a propulsion engineer. Additionally, a propulsion engineer has an average salary of $98,475, 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 a propulsion engineer are propulsion system, CAD, and MATLAB.
| Flight Test Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,538 | $98,475 |
| Hourly rate | $43.53 | $47.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 26,384 | 45,629 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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.
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
Flight test engineers and propulsion engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Test Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average salary | $90,538 | $98,475 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $123,000 | Between $70,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | - |
| Best paying company | Amazon | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a flight test engineer and a propulsion engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Test Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight test engineers' and propulsion engineers' demographics:
| Flight Test Engineer | Propulsion Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |