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The differences between graduate engineers and industrial engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a graduate engineer, becoming an industrial engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $70,395 average annual salary of a graduate engineer.
The top three skills for a graduate engineer include civil 3d, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Graduate Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,395 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $33.84 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 98,584 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A graduate engineer can work in different engineering subspecialties, such as mechanical, civil, chemical, aerospace, and electrical. Most graduate engineers work on projects while under the supervision and directives of a supervisor or senior engineer. Their duties usually involve identifying and understanding project requirements, conducting research and assessments, completing surveys, and preparing models using different tools and software. Additionally, a graduate engineer can also create designs and prototypes according to project requirements and guidelines, producing regular progress reports for supervisors.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Graduate engineers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graduate Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,395 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $89,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graduate engineer and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Graduate Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | New York University |
Here are the differences between graduate engineers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Graduate Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.3% Female, 22.7% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.9% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |