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The differences between information engineers and engineering specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an information engineer, becoming an engineering specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an information engineer has an average salary of $105,003, which is higher than the $91,767 average annual salary of an engineering specialist.
The top three skills for an information engineer include customer service, linux and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an engineering specialist are keyword research, google analytics, and digital marketing.
| Information Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $105,003 | $91,767 |
| Hourly rate | $50.48 | $44.12 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 151,357 | 74,442 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An information engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of computer systems and network infrastructure, performing configuration to boost the optimal performance of the technology systems. Information engineers assist end-users in resolving network issues, identifying the source of inconsistencies, and create resolution reports for reference to avoid reoccurrence. They also design new network systems according to business needs and client specifications, running multiple diagnostic tests to ensure effectiveness before the release of final deliverables. An information engineer should have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
The duties of an engineering specialist depend on their line of work or industry of employment. As a specialist, their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing their expertise by designing and developing various systems to improve products and operations, and participate in planning and devising strategies for optimal production performance. They must also identify areas needing improvement, conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the safety and efficiency of facilities, and collaborate with other engineers as needed. Furthermore, there are instances where they have to address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and effectively.
Information engineers and engineering specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average salary | $105,003 | $91,767 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $139,000 | Between $59,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Enbridge |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an information engineer and an engineering specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between information engineers' and engineering specialists' demographics:
| Information Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.8% Female, 14.2% | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.6% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 10.3% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 7% |