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The differences between hydraulic engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a hydraulic engineer and an engineer. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $84,440 average annual salary of a hydraulic engineer.
The top three skills for a hydraulic engineer include hec ras, civil engineering and HEC-RAS. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Hydraulic Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,440 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $40.60 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 91,749 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Hydraulics engineers are engineering professionals who design projects that are related to the movement and control of fluids. These engineers must perform many studies to understand water systems and design dams, drainage systems, and levees for the local government. They are required to participate in the water resources and flood control planning by creating a deep foundation and flood control structure designs. Hydraulics must also communicate with clients and governing bodies to address their concerns about stormwater and erosion.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Hydraulic engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hydraulic Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,440 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $118,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Phillips 66 | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a hydraulic engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hydraulic Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between hydraulic engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Hydraulic Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 14.9% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |