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The differences between propulsion engineers and principal 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 a principal engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal engineer has an average salary of $130,213, which is higher than the $98,475 average annual salary of a propulsion engineer.
The top three skills for a propulsion engineer include propulsion system, CAD and MATLAB. The most important skills for a principal engineer are java, architecture, and python.
| Propulsion Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,475 | $130,213 |
| Hourly rate | $47.34 | $62.60 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 45,629 | 312,683 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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.
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Propulsion engineers and principal engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Propulsion Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,475 | $130,213 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $138,000 | Between $95,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Grubhub |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a propulsion engineer and a principal engineer in terms of educational background:
| Propulsion Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between propulsion engineers' and principal engineers' demographics:
| Propulsion Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |