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The differences between semiconductor engineers and industrial 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 semiconductor engineer and an industrial engineer. Additionally, a semiconductor engineer has an average salary of $96,951, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for a semiconductor engineer include data analysis, RF and failure analysis. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Semiconductor Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,951 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $46.61 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 37,162 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Semiconductor engineers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Semiconductor Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,951 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $134,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Applied Materials | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a semiconductor engineer and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Semiconductor Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | New York University |
Here are the differences between semiconductor engineers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Semiconductor Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |