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The differences between systems designers and project 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 a project engineer. Additionally, a systems designer has an average salary of $93,438, which is higher than the $75,050 average annual salary of a project engineer.
The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Systems Designer | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $93,438 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $44.92 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 101,665 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Systems designers and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Designer | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $93,438 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $125,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Energy |
There are a few differences between a systems designer and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Designer | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between systems designers' and project engineers' demographics:
| Systems Designer | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |