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The differences between process engineers and industrial 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 industrial engineer. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for a process engineer include continuous improvement, sigma and lean manufacturing. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Process Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,443 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $39.64 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 66,937 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| 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 industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Process engineers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,443 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $108,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rio Rancho, NM | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a process engineer and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | New York University |
Here are the differences between process engineers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Process Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| 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, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |