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The differences between robotics engineers and automation 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 robotics engineer and an automation engineer. Additionally, a robotics engineer has an average salary of $101,208, which is higher than the $92,597 average annual salary of an automation engineer.
The top three skills for a robotics engineer include python, linux and CAD. The most important skills for an automation engineer are python, java, and PLC.
| Robotics Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,208 | $92,597 |
| Hourly rate | $48.66 | $44.52 |
| Growth rate | 2% | - |
| Number of jobs | 61,819 | 133,941 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A robotics engineer is responsible for designing robotic systems to support humans and businesses with their daily activities and operations using various technology systems and metal components. Robotics engineers run multiple diagnostic tests on the machines, identify inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting procedures for defective system components. They also configure the robot's features regularly, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy through different stages of production. A robotics engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, including analytical expertise, to monitor cost-estimates and maintain the project within the budget goals.
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
Robotics engineers and automation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Robotics Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,208 | $92,597 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $144,000 | Between $70,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Retail |
There are a few differences between a robotics engineer and an automation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Robotics Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between robotics engineers' and automation engineers' demographics:
| Robotics Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 17.9% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 11% |