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The differences between machining engineers and process engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a machining engineer, becoming a process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a machining engineer has an average salary of $123,716, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for a machining engineer include python, java and tensorflow. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Machining Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $123,716 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $59.48 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 93,823 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A machining engineer specializes in designing and developing new tools and mechanical equipment, even analyzing and improving designs to ensure efficiency. Their responsibilities revolve around overseeing and participating in installing, repairing, and maintaining different systems, coordinating with other engineers, and conducting regular inspections to monitor a machines' quality. It is also essential to address any issues or concerns, performing corrective measures right away. Furthermore, should a machining engineer work for a company, it is necessary to adhere to its policies and regulations.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Machining engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machining Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $123,716 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $83,000 And $182,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | California | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Technology |
There are a few differences between a machining engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Machining Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between machining engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Machining Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |