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The differences between principal process engineers and engineering managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a principal process 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 $126,348 average annual salary of a principal process engineer.
The top three skills for a principal process engineer include process engineering, continuous improvement and engineering design. The most important skills for an engineering manager are java, project management, and continuous improvement.
| Principal Process Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $126,348 | $139,328 |
| Hourly rate | $60.74 | $66.98 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 82,358 | 67,124 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A Principal Process Engineer is responsible for analyzing process technologies and proposal support for the engineering activities of the organization. They may work in various industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, software development, and biotechnological.
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.
Principal process engineers and engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Process Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $126,348 | $139,328 |
| Salary range | Between $93,000 And $171,000 | Between $99,000 And $195,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tucson, AZ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | California |
| Best paying company | Mixpanel | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a principal process engineer and an engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Principal Process Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between principal process engineers' and engineering managers' demographics:
| Principal Process Engineer | Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.4% Female, 15.6% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.7% White, 65.3% 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 | 4% | 9% |