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The differences between software automation engineers and automation 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 software automation engineer and an automation engineer. Additionally, a software automation engineer has an average salary of $102,812, which is higher than the $92,597 average annual salary of an automation engineer.
The top three skills for a software automation engineer include python, java and C #. The most important skills for an automation engineer are python, java, and PLC.
| Software Automation Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,812 | $92,597 |
| Hourly rate | $49.43 | $44.52 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 229,709 | 133,941 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software automation engineer specializes in designing and developing software and systems. In a company setting, it is their duty to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current systems and devices, conceptualize plans according to the company's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and implement solutions against problem areas. They must also coordinate with software teams, provide technical support, and maintain extensive records. Furthermore, as a software automation engineer, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks, perform repairs and upgrades as needed.
An automation engineer takes charge of developing detailed design specifications and any other documents. Automation engineers develop automation software that is based on certain requirements for the involved process. They conform to local standards, international standards, and other process-oriented guidelines. Their duties also include the simulation and testing of automated machinery and processes. The must-have skills for this position include configuration software experience, scripting and coding expertise, certifications, and in-depth knowledge of technology.
Software automation engineers and automation engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Automation Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,812 | $92,597 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $70,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Netflix | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between a software automation engineer and an automation engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Automation Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software automation engineers' and automation engineers' demographics:
| Software Automation Engineer | Automation Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |