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The differences between industrial engineers and equipment 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 equipment engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an equipment engineer has an average salary of $97,539, 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 equipment engineer are equipment performance, semiconductor, and project management.
| Industrial Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,501 | $97,539 |
| Hourly rate | $36.78 | $46.89 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,756 | 108,449 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Industrial engineers and equipment engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,501 | $97,539 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $69,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | Apple | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineer and an equipment engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between industrial engineers' and equipment engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 15.1% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |