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The differences between simulation 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 simulation engineer and an industrial engineer. Additionally, a simulation engineer has an average salary of $97,266, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Simulation Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Simulation engineers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a simulation engineer and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | New York University |
Here are the differences between simulation engineers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| 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, 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 | 8% | 4% |