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The differences between process engineers and electrical 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 engineer, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a process engineer include continuous improvement, sigma and lean manufacturing. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Process Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,443 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $39.64 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 66,937 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Process engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,443 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $108,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rio Rancho, NM | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a process engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between process engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Process Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |