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The differences between simulation engineers and tool 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 tool engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tool engineer has an average salary of $101,135, which is higher than the $97,266 average annual salary of a simulation engineer.
The top three skills for a simulation engineer include python, MATLAB and simulink. The most important skills for a tool engineer are python, java, and CAD.
| Simulation Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,266 | $101,135 |
| Hourly rate | $46.76 | $48.62 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 46,570 | 98,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| 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 tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
Simulation engineers and tool engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Simulation Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,266 | $101,135 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $133,000 | Between $75,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Novato, 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 tool engineer in terms of educational background:
| Simulation Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| 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 tool engineers' demographics:
| Simulation Engineer | Tool Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |