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The differences between lead controls engineers and engineering managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a lead controls engineer, becoming an engineering manager takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, an engineering manager has an average salary of $139,328, which is higher than the $99,296 average annual salary of a lead controls engineer.
The top three skills for a lead controls engineer include C++, PLC and technical support. The most important skills for an engineering manager are java, project management, and continuous improvement.
| Lead Controls Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $99,296 | $139,328 |
| Hourly rate | $47.74 | $66.98 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 57,348 | 67,124 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
A Control Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and management of control dynamic systems in an aircraft or machinery company. They inspect and monitor all types of equipment and ensure all processes are running correctly and safely. Their role is to design a control panel and involves other engineers who operate and implement the said system. They also teach them how the procedure goes and how to deal with the possible problem that can encounter. Other duties include supervising the procurement of ICT equipment, installation, and meeting deadlines for the needed repair.
An engineering manager is responsible for managing the overall concept of engineering and construction projects, ensuring that the plan meets the budget goals and the client's specifications. Engineering managers approve designs, plan strategic procedures to follow the project's timetable, analyze current market trends, hire the best and efficient contractors, and coordinate with the clients for any changes and adjustments as needed. An engineering manager must have excellent knowledge of engineering disciplines, as well as leadership and communication skills, monitoring the team's performance throughout the project.
Lead controls engineers and engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Controls Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $99,296 | $139,328 |
| Salary range | Between $79,000 And $123,000 | Between $99,000 And $195,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Antonio, TX | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Rivian | Mixpanel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a lead controls engineer and an engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Lead Controls Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between lead controls engineers' and engineering managers' demographics:
| Lead Controls Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.2% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 9% |