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The differences between industrial engineers and senior staff 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 senior staff engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior staff engineer has an average salary of $136,031, 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 a senior staff engineer are python, java, and architecture.
| Industrial Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,501 | $136,031 |
| Hourly rate | $36.78 | $65.40 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,756 | 239,752 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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 senior staff engineer is responsible for supervising a team of engineers, chemists, software developers, or molecular biologists. His/Her or her responsibilities include generating Structured Query Language (SQL) performance audit checklist template, creating SQL data query routines and functions for data extraction, and working directly with stakeholders. The job requires strong mechanical, listening, and mathematical skills and proficiency in Python programming language and computer architecture and hardware. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, business, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Industrial engineers and senior staff engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,501 | $136,031 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $95,000 And $194,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineer and a senior staff engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona |
Here are the differences between industrial engineers' and senior staff engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Engineer | Senior Staff Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |