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The differences between industrial engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an industrial engineer, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for an industrial engineer include continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and sigma. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Industrial Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,501 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $36.78 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 46,756 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Industrial engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,501 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between industrial engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |