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The differences between process engineers and automation engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a process engineer and an automation engineer. Additionally, an automation engineer has an average salary of $92,597, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for a process engineer include continuous improvement, sigma and lean manufacturing. The most important skills for an automation engineer are python, java, and PLC.
| Process Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,443 | $92,597 |
| Hourly rate | $39.64 | $44.52 |
| Growth rate | 10% | - |
| Number of jobs | 66,937 | 133,941 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
Process engineers and automation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,443 | $92,597 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $108,000 | Between $70,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rio Rancho, NM | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a process engineer and an automation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between process engineers' and automation engineers' demographics:
| Process Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 11% |