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The differences between systems engineers and electrical 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 systems engineer and an electrical engineer. Additionally, a systems engineer has an average salary of $82,834, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a systems engineer include python, linux and C++. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Systems Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,834 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $39.82 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 145,936 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Systems engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,834 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $109,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between systems engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Systems Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |