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The differences between metallurgists and process engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a metallurgist has an average salary of $83,962, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for a metallurgist include continuous improvement, failure analysis and aerospace. The most important skills for a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Metallurgist | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,962 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $40.37 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 25,545 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A metallurgist is responsible for producing metal items and resources to create components used for large manufacturing and industrial production. Metallurgists operate various machine tools and equipment, requiring them to have a strict adherence to the workplace's safety protocols and regulations to prevent potential hazards and operational delays. They also identify cost-efficient methods for the processes without compromising high-quality standards and business requirements. A metallurgist conducts troubleshooting and enhances technical solutions for production and manufacturing discrepancies.
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.
Metallurgists and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Metallurgist | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,962 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $115,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Auburn, NY | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Technip USA Corporation | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a metallurgist and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Metallurgist | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Materials Science And Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between metallurgists' and process engineers' demographics:
| Metallurgist | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.0% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 19.0% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 10% | 4% |