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The differences between simulation engineers and manufacturing 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 manufacturing engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a simulation engineer has an average salary of $97,266, which is higher than the $78,522 average annual salary of a manufacturing engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for a manufacturing engineer are lean manufacturing, CAD, and solidworks.
| Simulation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $78,522 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $37.75 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 115,384 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
Simulation engineers and manufacturing engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $78,522 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $60,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, 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 manufacturing engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between simulation engineers' and manufacturing engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 88.8% Female, 11.2% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 17.0% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |