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The differences between industrial engineers and project 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 a project engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $75,050 average annual salary of a project engineer.
The top three skills for an industrial engineer include continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and sigma. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Industrial Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,501 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $36.78 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,756 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Industrial engineers and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,501 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineer and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between industrial engineers' and project engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |