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The differences between propulsion engineers and aircraft 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 propulsion engineer and an aircraft engineer. Additionally, a propulsion engineer has an average salary of $98,475, which is higher than the $72,867 average annual salary of an aircraft engineer.
The top three skills for a propulsion engineer include propulsion system, CAD and MATLAB. The most important skills for an aircraft engineer are DOD, aircraft systems, and CAD.
| Propulsion Engineer | Aircraft Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,475 | $72,867 |
| Hourly rate | $47.34 | $35.03 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 45,629 | 5,718 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Propulsion Engineer is responsible for inspecting the condition and stability of rocket engines and control systems within the aerospace industry. They create engine systems by utilizing various software applications and tools for construction. They also identify cost-reduction materials and techniques by negotiating contracts and agreements with trusted suppliers and vendors. A Propulsion Engineer must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to resolve engine issues and conduct preventive maintenance to prevent operational delays and potential hazards.
An aircraft engineer oversees the design and assembly of an aircraft. Broadly, they are responsible for developing aircraft designs, testing and fine-tuning them, and ensuring safe practices during the assembly process. Specifically, this involves providing design drafts, meeting with executives to get feedback, and working in an engineering team to improve designs. They must consider aerodynamic principles, air safety, passenger comfort, and customer. This position requires an advanced degree and strong experience in the aviation field.
Propulsion engineers and aircraft engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Propulsion Engineer | Aircraft Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,475 | $72,867 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $138,000 | Between $53,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Joby Aviation |
| Best paying industry | - | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a propulsion engineer and an aircraft engineer in terms of educational background:
| Propulsion Engineer | Aircraft Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Aerospace Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between propulsion engineers' and aircraft engineers' demographics:
| Propulsion Engineer | Aircraft Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 10.8% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |