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The differences between simulation engineers and design 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 simulation engineer, becoming a design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a simulation engineer has an average salary of $97,266, which is higher than the $77,134 average annual salary of a design engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.
| Simulation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $77,134 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $37.08 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 138,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A simulation engineer is an engineering professional who uses technical expertise and knowledge of computer simulation technologies to test the performance, durability, and safety of engineering solutions. Simulation engineers must use a virtual environment when working on an incredibly intricate and expensive project such as a new helicopter, satellite, or submarine. They use computer programming languages such as C++ and Fortran to model simulated environment. Simulation engineers are also required to collaborate with the design and production teams so that they can accomplish a specific project.
A design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Simulation engineers and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $77,134 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $57,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a simulation engineer and a design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between simulation engineers' and design engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |