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The differences between spacecraft systems engineers and systems 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 a systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a spacecraft systems engineer has an average salary of $96,404, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a spacecraft systems engineer include systems engineering, MATLAB and spacecraft systems. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,404 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $46.35 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 78,004 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Spacecraft systems engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,404 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $128,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a spacecraft systems engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between spacecraft systems engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Spacecraft Systems Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |