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The differences between graduate engineers and process 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 a process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, 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 a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Graduate Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,395 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $33.84 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 98,584 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Graduate engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graduate Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,395 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $89,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graduate engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Graduate Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between graduate engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Graduate Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.3% Female, 22.7% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |