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The differences between train engineers and application 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 train engineer, becoming an application engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an application engineer has an average salary of $92,921, which is higher than the $82,531 average annual salary of a train engineer.
The top three skills for a train engineer include pi planning, release train and scrum. The most important skills for an application engineer are technical support, java, and C++.
A train engineer is responsible for operating train engines and controls to transport passengers from one station to another. Train engineers must have excellent mechanical and organizational skills to drive the train, including speed and battery pressure. They should also be able to interact with the passengers, requiring them to have good communication skills to remind them of the rules and regulations while boarding the train. A train engineer observes the train's engines for possible malfunctions and calls maintenance repairs as necessary to avoid potential hazards and delays.
An application engineer is responsible for creating and re-designing system applications based on clients' specifications and sales demands. Application engineers run diagnostic tests on software programs, identify areas of improvement, install necessary updates, upgrade optimization, revise system codes, and provide technical support for customers' needs. They also generate ideas and locate other business opportunities by analyzing current trends in the technology market that would help build revenues and increase profitability for the company. An application engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, software application processes, and general technology disciplines.
Train engineers and application engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Train Engineer | Application Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,531 | $92,921 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $133,000 | Between $69,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Chevron | Morgan Lewis |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a train engineer and an application engineer in terms of educational background:
| Train Engineer | Application Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between train engineers' and application engineers' demographics:
| Train Engineer | Application Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 1.9% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 11.5% White, 74.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 7% |