Post job

Process control programmer vs process control engineer

The differences between process control programmers and process control engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a process control programmer, becoming a process control engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a process control engineer has an average salary of $87,430, which is higher than the $67,508 average annual salary of a process control programmer.

The top three skills for a process control programmer include HMI, PLC and data processing. The most important skills for a process control engineer are PLC, HMI, and control systems.

Process control programmer vs process control engineer overview

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Control Engineer
Yearly salary$67,508$87,430
Hourly rate$32.46$42.03
Growth rate-8%10%
Number of jobs58,85884,749
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4342
Years of experience24

Process control programmer vs process control engineer salary

Process control programmers and process control engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Control Engineer
Average salary$67,508$87,430
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $93,000Between $66,000 And $114,000
Highest paying CityCovina, CAFremont, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyBAE SystemsKoch Fertilizer
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between process control programmer and process control engineer education

There are a few differences between a process control programmer and a process control engineer in terms of educational background:

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Control Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorComputer ScienceChemical Engineering
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNorthwestern University

Process control programmer vs process control engineer demographics

Here are the differences between process control programmers' and process control engineers' demographics:

Process Control ProgrammerProcess Control Engineer
Average age4342
Gender ratioMale, 83.7% Female, 16.3%Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%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%
LGBT Percentage6%4%

Differences between process control programmer and process control engineer duties and responsibilities

Process control programmer example responsibilities.

  • Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
  • Play key role in developing and installing Wonderware HMI to interface to PLC and DCS systems.
  • Convert customer files from FTP sites to BCC compatible formats ensuring files meet USPS postal regulations.
  • Modify PLC and DCS systems and programs to adapt the steelmaking process to be more efficient, cleaner, and safer.
  • Analyze and correct errors in JCL and programs.
  • Process, program, and assist in set-up of CNC mills.
  • Show more

Process control engineer example responsibilities.

  • Design a PID controller to manage temperature and flow disturbances.
  • Obtain referrals, track hospitalized patients, interface with manage care intermediaries/medical personnel.
  • Design PLC base process control systems for hazardous locations waste gas destruction thermal oxidizers used in natural gas processing facilities.
  • Create 3D model designs for new projects using solidworks.
  • Validate process to ensure products meet GMP and GAMP standards.
  • Participate in HAZOP and LOPA meetings to assure all relate comments are properly note.
  • Show more

Process control programmer vs process control engineer skills

Common process control programmer skills
  • HMI, 20%
  • PLC, 19%
  • Data Processing, 15%
  • Control Systems, 14%
  • XML, 4%
  • BCC, 4%
Common process control engineer skills
  • PLC, 10%
  • HMI, 7%
  • Control Systems, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Allen-Bradley, 4%
  • DCS, 4%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs