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The differences between quality systems managers and quality engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a quality systems manager, becoming a quality engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a quality systems manager has an average salary of $102,625, which is higher than the $79,672 average annual salary of a quality engineer.
The top three skills for a quality systems manager include continuous improvement, quality management system and FDA. The most important skills for a quality engineer are corrective action, continuous improvement, and ISO.
| Quality Systems Manager | Quality Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,625 | $79,672 |
| Hourly rate | $49.34 | $38.30 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 123,519 | 96,838 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A quality systems manager is an individual who monitors the production processes of a manufacturing firm to ensure that factory machinery and people produce goods and products according to the company and industry requirements. Quality systems managers are required to supervise supervisors and inspectors to make sure that quality control measures are carried out properly. They must develop and improve all policies and procedures, which can impact the effectiveness of the company's quality systems. Quality systems managers are also required to coordinate with the top management in formulating company policies.
A quality engineer's responsibilities include ensuring that the manufacturing processes are efficient and accurate, documenting findings that would raise concerns, conducting quality tests while observing parameters, and implementing changes as necessary to meet the highest quality standards. Quality engineers need to have excellent problem-solving and observation skills to detect any irregularities and possible malfunctions. They also must be able to communicate effectively with the clients for feedbacks and corrective adjustments, address complaints, and immediately resolve any inconsistencies made.
Quality systems managers and quality engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Systems Manager | Quality Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,625 | $79,672 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $145,000 | Between $61,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a quality systems manager and a quality engineer in terms of educational background:
| Quality Systems Manager | Quality Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between quality systems managers' and quality engineers' demographics:
| Quality Systems Manager | Quality Engineer | |
| Average age | 48 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 9.1% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 13.9% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 4% |