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The differences between process engineers and systems 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 a systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems engineer has an average salary of $82,834, 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 a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Process Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,443 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $39.64 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 66,937 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| 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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Process engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,443 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $108,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rio Rancho, NM | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a process engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems engineers' demographics:
| Process Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 8% |