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The differences between process control engineers and process safety engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a process control engineer, becoming a process safety engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a process control engineer has an average salary of $87,430, which is higher than the $84,412 average annual salary of a process safety engineer.
The top three skills for a process control engineer include PLC, HMI and control systems. The most important skills for a process safety engineer are safety management, OSHA, and risk management.
| Process Control Engineer | Process Safety Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,430 | $84,412 |
| Hourly rate | $42.03 | $40.58 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 84,749 | 38,650 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
In the manufacturing industry, a process control engineer specializes in planning and executing quality control processes in a company, ensuring that every equipment is working safely and efficiently. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring and inspecting systems and machinery, coordinating with various department staff, devising strategies to improve processes, and recommending solutions for optimal services. A process control engineer may also respond to inquiries and concerns, resolving issues promptly. Furthermore, there are instances when a process control engineer must produce progress reports, presentations, and assessments.
A process safety engineer is responsible for conducting quality check procedures for the operational processes of the manufacturing and construction industries. Process safety engineers analyze practices to ensure that the methodologies adhere to safety standards and state regulations. They also inspect the tools and materials used, the budget needed for production, and timetables to strategize efficient ways in minimizing costs and risks. A process safety engineer records the process findings and suggests technical solutions to maximize productivity.
Process control engineers and process safety engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Control Engineer | Process Safety Engineer | |
| Average salary | $87,430 | $84,412 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $114,000 | Between $55,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Orange, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Koch Fertilizer | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a process control engineer and a process safety engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Control Engineer | Process Safety Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between process control engineers' and process safety engineers' demographics:
| Process Control Engineer | Process Safety Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 12.6% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |