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Systems designer vs engineer

The differences between systems designers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a systems designer and an engineer. Additionally, a systems designer has an average salary of $93,438, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.

The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.

Systems designer vs engineer overview

Systems DesignerEngineer
Yearly salary$93,438$92,077
Hourly rate$44.92$44.27
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs101,665618,207
Job satisfaction-4.33
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

What does a systems designer do?

In the information technology industry, a systems designer specializes in creating systems in adherence to the client or company's needs. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis, gathering and analyzing operational data and client feedback, subjecting designs in a variety of tests, coordinating with engineers, troubleshooting problems, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also assess existing systems and design enhancements as needed. Moreover, a systems designer may provide technical support and guidance to staff while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

What does an engineer do?

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

Systems designer vs engineer salary

Systems designers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Systems DesignerEngineer
Average salary$93,438$92,077
Salary rangeBetween $69,000 And $125,000Between $65,000 And $130,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAHuntsville, AL
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Hampshire
Best paying companyMetaFort Bend County
Best paying industryHealth CareAutomotive

Differences between systems designer and engineer education

There are a few differences between a systems designer and an engineer in terms of educational background:

Systems DesignerEngineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityMichigan Technological University

Systems designer vs engineer demographics

Here are the differences between systems designers' and engineers' demographics:

Systems DesignerEngineer
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 85.7% Female, 14.3%Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 16.5% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between systems designer and engineer duties and responsibilities

Systems designer example responsibilities.

  • Lead development effort for JavaScript vehicle configuration component.
  • Manage relationships through CRM documentation and complete post-sale customer follow ups.
  • Design and manage wireless infrastructure using WPA2 encryption and a centralize authentication using SSL and a user base lightweight directory database.
  • Modify and support COBOL, DB2, IMS, CICS, batch and online processes.
  • Design and draft mechanical systems for remodels and new construction at BYU using Revit, and AutoCAD.
  • Cover the database management system architecture, query processing and optimization.
  • Show more

Engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage startup, trouble shooting and testing of PLC control equipment.
  • Lead project team to design and FDA validate 10-up extreme accuracy vial dosing system and CIP/SIP automate cleaning equipment.
  • Automate the creation of a WebLogic Admin and manage server deployment scheme within an installer for secure application deployment.
  • Install and test PLC in client own equipment on site - solve some logical and hardware issues to accomplish goal
  • Implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS.
  • Manage Terraform and refactore from monolithic to application specific components.
  • Show more

Systems designer vs engineer skills

Common systems designer skills
  • System Design, 14%
  • CRM, 12%
  • Sales Proposals, 7%
  • Control Systems, 7%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • HVAC, 5%
Common engineer skills
  • Python, 8%
  • Cloud, 6%
  • C++, 5%
  • C #, 5%
  • AWS, 5%
  • Java, 4%

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