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The differences between semiconductor engineers and equipment 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 semiconductor engineer, becoming an equipment engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an equipment engineer has an average salary of $97,539, which is higher than the $96,951 average annual salary of a semiconductor engineer.
The top three skills for a semiconductor engineer include data analysis, RF and failure analysis. The most important skills for an equipment engineer are equipment performance, semiconductor, and project management.
| Semiconductor Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,951 | $97,539 |
| Hourly rate | $46.61 | $46.89 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 37,162 | 108,449 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
As a semiconductor engineer, your main job is to make semiconductors that are mostly made out of silicon. You have to create electrical products that enable the integration of workers, materials, and machines. Semiconductor engineers increase the efficiency of these semiconductors and develop new technologies for creating semiconductors for electric circuitry.
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Semiconductor engineers and equipment engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Semiconductor Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,951 | $97,539 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $134,000 | Between $69,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | Applied Materials | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a semiconductor engineer and an equipment engineer in terms of educational background:
| Semiconductor Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between semiconductor engineers' and equipment engineers' demographics:
| Semiconductor Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.0% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 15.1% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |