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The differences between special project engineers and engineering specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a special project engineer, becoming an engineering specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineering specialist has an average salary of $91,767, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for a special project engineer include DOD, design changes and engineering support. The most important skills for an engineering specialist are keyword research, google analytics, and digital marketing.
| Special Project Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $70,934 | $91,767 |
| Hourly rate | $34.10 | $44.12 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 90,999 | 74,442 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.
The duties of an engineering specialist depend on their line of work or industry of employment. As a specialist, their responsibilities typically revolve around utilizing their expertise by designing and developing various systems to improve products and operations, and participate in planning and devising strategies for optimal production performance. They must also identify areas needing improvement, conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the safety and efficiency of facilities, and collaborate with other engineers as needed. Furthermore, there are instances where they have to address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and effectively.
Special project engineers and engineering specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Project Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average salary | $70,934 | $91,767 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $95,000 | Between $59,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Enbridge |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Energy |
There are a few differences between a special project engineer and an engineering specialist in terms of educational background:
| Special Project Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between special project engineers' and engineering specialists' demographics:
| Special Project Engineer | Engineering Specialist | |
| Average age | 41 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% | Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 10.3% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 7% |