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The differences between simulation engineers and 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 an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a simulation engineer has an average salary of $97,266, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Simulation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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.
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.
Simulation engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a simulation engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |