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The differences between validation engineers and manufacturing 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 a manufacturing engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a validation engineer has an average salary of $82,004, which is higher than the $78,522 average annual salary of a manufacturing engineer.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for a manufacturing engineer are lean manufacturing, CAD, and solidworks.
| Validation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $78,522 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $37.75 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 115,384 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
Validation engineers and manufacturing engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $78,522 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $60,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and a manufacturing engineer in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and manufacturing engineers' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Manufacturing Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 88.8% Female, 11.2% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 17.0% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |