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The differences between stationary engineers and watch engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a stationary engineer and a watch engineer. Additionally, a watch engineer has an average salary of $91,906, which is higher than the $69,163 average annual salary of a stationary engineer.
The top three skills for a stationary engineer include HVAC, preventive maintenance and plumbing. The most important skills for a watch engineer are HVAC, plant equipment, and preventive maintenance.
Stationary Engineers are employees who are trained to operate machines and equipment. They mainly operate mechanical equipment, boilers, steam engines, and other stationary engines. They are also trained to conduct maintenance checks and basic repairs on such equipment. Stationary Engineers should be able to read gauges on the machines and assess the fuel levels. They are expected to monitor the machines and equipment and to track the operations. They are also expected to record and document the performance of the equipment. Sationary Engineers should know how to test the quality of the machines' outputs. This would help them manage the equipment.
A watch engineer designs and develops equipment according to project concepts and requirements. Although their responsibilities vary upon their industry or company of employment, it typically includes conducting research and analyses to establish plans, produce prototypes, create and implement test structures, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They may also oversee the performance of staff and provide technical support and guidance as needed. Moreover, as a watch engineer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members for efficient progress.
Stationary engineers and watch engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Stationary Engineer | Watch Engineer | |
| Average salary | $69,163 | $91,906 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $107,000 | Between $64,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | New York | - |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a stationary engineer and a watch engineer in terms of educational background:
| Stationary Engineer | Watch Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between stationary engineers' and watch engineers' demographics:
| Stationary Engineer | Watch Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 98.8% Female, 1.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.5% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |