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The differences between special project engineers and process engineers 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 a process engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a process engineer has an average salary of $82,443, 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 a process engineer are continuous improvement, sigma, and lean manufacturing.
| Special Project Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,934 | $82,443 |
| Hourly rate | $34.10 | $39.64 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 90,999 | 66,937 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| 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.
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
Special project engineers and process engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Project Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average salary | $70,934 | $82,443 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $95,000 | Between $62,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, CA | Rio Rancho, NM |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Technology |
There are a few differences between a special project engineer and a process engineer in terms of educational background:
| Special Project Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Business | Chemical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between special project engineers' and process engineers' demographics:
| Special Project Engineer | Process Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |