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The differences between systems engineers and industrial engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a systems engineer, becoming an industrial engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a systems engineer has an average salary of $82,834, which is higher than the $76,501 average annual salary of an industrial engineer.
The top three skills for a systems engineer include python, linux and C++. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Systems Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,834 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $39.82 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 145,936 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 39 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Systems engineers and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,834 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $109,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems engineer and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | New York University |
Here are the differences between systems engineers' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Systems Engineer | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| 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, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 4% |