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The differences between spacecraft systems 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 spacecraft systems engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a spacecraft systems engineer has an average salary of $96,404, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a spacecraft systems engineer include systems engineering, MATLAB and spacecraft systems. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,404 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $46.35 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 78,004 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A spacecraft system engineer develops simulations and performs analysis. They create design documents and work with teams to carry out projects. They must also maintain amicable relationships with customers.
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.
Spacecraft systems engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,404 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $128,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | - | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | - | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a spacecraft systems engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between spacecraft systems engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.9% 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% |