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The differences between tool design engineers and equipment 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 tool design engineer and an equipment engineer. Additionally, an equipment engineer has an average salary of $97,539, which is higher than the $76,918 average annual salary of a tool design engineer.
The top three skills for a tool design engineer include solidworks, jigs and GD. The most important skills for an equipment engineer are equipment performance, semiconductor, and project management.
| Tool Design Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,918 | $97,539 |
| Hourly rate | $36.98 | $46.89 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 114,478 | 108,449 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Tool Design Engineers are responsible for the design of new tools as well as making improvements to existing ones. They are responsible for drafting schematics and blueprints, determining tool specifications and production as well as carrying out calculations to establish tools cost, materials, and dimensions. Other duties include communicating with suppliers to implement tool modifications, tracking performance targets, and conducting cost budgeting. A good Tool Design Engineer aims to reduce tool breakdowns and minimize maintenance costs.
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Tool design engineers and equipment engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tool Design Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,918 | $97,539 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $102,000 | Between $69,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | Cheniere Energy | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a tool design engineer and an equipment engineer in terms of educational background:
| Tool Design Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between tool design engineers' and equipment engineers' demographics:
| Tool Design Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 15.1% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |