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The differences between structural analysis engineers and design 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 structural analysis engineer, becoming a design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a structural analysis engineer has an average salary of $98,208, which is higher than the $77,134 average annual salary of a design engineer.
The top three skills for a structural analysis engineer include structural analysis, analysis tools and structural integrity. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,208 | $77,134 |
| Hourly rate | $47.22 | $37.08 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 26,462 | 138,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A Structural Analysis Engineer is responsible for evaluating the construction processes of establishments and other industrial properties and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards. Structural Analysis Engineers assess the materials and equipment used for the operations to confirm compliance with the budget limitations and timetables. They also check the structures and foundations of the construction and recommend techniques to enhance the element integrity. A Structural Analysis Engineer designs construction plans, conduct cost and statistical analysis, and coordinates with the clients for progress updates and any adjustments.
A design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Structural analysis engineers and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,208 | $77,134 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $145,000 | Between $57,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between a structural analysis engineer and a design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between structural analysis engineers' and design engineers' demographics:
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 19.4% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |