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The differences between shift engineers and watch engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a shift engineer and a watch engineer. Additionally, a watch engineer has an average salary of $91,906, which is higher than the $91,237 average annual salary of a shift engineer.
The top three skills for a shift engineer include HVAC, preventive maintenance and plumbing. The most important skills for a watch engineer are HVAC, plant equipment, and preventive maintenance.
A shift engineer conducts maintenance operations and ensures a company's engineering policies are upheld. They supervise a team, perform preventative maintenance, take orders, keep records, and control inventory. This position requires good communication skills, time management skills, and previous experience in the field.
A watch engineer designs and develops equipment according to project concepts and requirements. Although their responsibilities vary upon their industry or company of employment, it typically includes conducting research and analyses to establish plans, produce prototypes, create and implement test structures, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They may also oversee the performance of staff and provide technical support and guidance as needed. Moreover, as a watch engineer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members for efficient progress.
Shift engineers and watch engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Shift Engineer | Watch Engineer | |
| Average salary | $91,237 | $91,906 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $128,000 | Between $64,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a shift engineer and a watch engineer in terms of educational background:
| Shift Engineer | Watch Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between shift engineers' and watch engineers' demographics:
| Shift Engineer | Watch Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.5% Female, 4.5% | Male, 98.8% Female, 1.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.5% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |