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The differences between validation engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a validation engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an engineer has an average salary of $92,077, which is higher than the $82,004 average annual salary of a validation engineer.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Validation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A validation engineer is an individual responsible for managing, inspecting, testing, and modifying the instrumentation, equipment, mechanics, and procedures for the production of high-quality products. The professional's tasks include analyzing test results, preparing compliance reports, and keeping updated with industry standards and regulations. Validation engineers should possess core skills such as strong mathematical and information technology skills and the ability to resolve complex engineering problems. Possessing a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is an advantage to qualify for the position.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Validation engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 22.9% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |