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The differences between security system engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a security system engineer and an engineer. Additionally, a security system engineer has an average salary of $103,018, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a security system engineer include architecture, NIST and DOD. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Security System Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,018 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $49.53 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 97,083 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
The primary job of a security system engineer is to design computer systems that can prevent disruptions, such as cyberattacks and natural disasters. You will engineer, implement, and monitor security measures to protect computer networks, systems, and information. In addition, you will identify and define the requirements for system security and design computer security architecture. Other duties that you will perform include preparing and documenting standard operating protocols and procedures, configuring and troubleshooting security infrastructure, and developing security tools to help minimize computer security vulnerabilities.
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.
Security system engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security System Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,018 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $141,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Credit Karma | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a security system engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Security System Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between security system engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Security System Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 5% |