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The differences between propulsion engineers and 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 propulsion engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a propulsion engineer has an average salary of $98,475, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a propulsion engineer include propulsion system, CAD and MATLAB. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Propulsion Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,475 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $47.34 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 45,629 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Propulsion engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Propulsion Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,475 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $138,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | - | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | - | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a propulsion engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Propulsion Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between propulsion engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Propulsion Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |