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The differences between validation engineers and project 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 project engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a validation engineer has an average salary of $82,004, which is higher than the $75,050 average annual salary of a project engineer.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.
| Validation Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $75,050 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $36.08 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 176,689 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Validation engineers and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $75,050 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $55,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and a project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and project engineers' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9% |
| 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, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |