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The differences between flight test engineers and structural analysis 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 structural analysis engineer. Additionally, a structural analysis engineer has an average salary of $98,208, 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 structural analysis engineer are structural analysis, analysis tools, and structural integrity.
| Flight Test Engineer | Structural Analysis Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,538 | $98,208 |
| Hourly rate | $43.53 | $47.22 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 26,384 | 26,462 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 Structural Analysis Engineer is responsible for evaluating the construction processes of establishments and other industrial properties and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards. Structural Analysis Engineers assess the materials and equipment used for the operations to confirm compliance with the budget limitations and timetables. They also check the structures and foundations of the construction and recommend techniques to enhance the element integrity. A Structural Analysis Engineer designs construction plans, conduct cost and statistical analysis, and coordinates with the clients for progress updates and any adjustments.
Flight test engineers and structural analysis engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Test Engineer | Structural Analysis Engineer | |
| Average salary | $90,538 | $98,208 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $123,000 | Between $66,000 And $145,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a flight test engineer and a structural analysis engineer in terms of educational background:
| Flight Test Engineer | Structural Analysis Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between flight test engineers' and structural analysis engineers' demographics:
| Flight Test Engineer | Structural Analysis Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| 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, 3.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 19.4% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |