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The differences between robotics engineers and controls 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 robotics engineer, becoming a controls engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a robotics engineer has an average salary of $101,208, which is higher than the $84,532 average annual salary of a controls engineer.
The top three skills for a robotics engineer include python, linux and CAD. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| Robotics Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,208 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $48.66 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 61,819 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Robotics engineers and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Robotics Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,208 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $144,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a robotics engineer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Robotics Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between robotics engineers' and controls engineers' demographics:
| Robotics Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |