Designer vs. Engineer: What Are the Differences?

A career in design or engineering can be both creative and rewarding. If you’re interested in pursuing a job in either field, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between them. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of designer and engineer, and we provide information on what you can expect from each profession.

What is a Designer?

Designers are responsible for the overall look and feel of a product, service or environment. They use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design functional, aesthetically-pleasing products, systems and experiences. Designers typically specialize in a particular field, such as web design, graphic design, fashion design or industrial design. They often work with a team of other designers and developers to create a final product that meets the needs of their client or employer. Designers use a variety of tools, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, to develop their ideas and bring them to life.

What is an Engineer?

Engineers are problem solvers who use their scientific and mathematical skills to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Engineers typically specialize in one particular engineering discipline, such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering. They use their specialized knowledge to design and oversee the construction of various structures, systems, and products. Engineers often work in teams with other engineers and technicians to design, develop, and test products, machines, structures, and systems.

Designer vs. Engineer

Here are the main differences between a designer and an engineer.

Job Duties

Designers and engineers share some job duties, such as researching, planning and creating. Designers often create concepts for products or services, while engineers develop solutions to technical problems. Both professionals also conduct tests and evaluate their work, designers through aesthetic criteria and engineers through functional criteria.

Other job duties are more specific to either design or engineering. Designers typically use software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and tools such as 3D modeling software to create and edit images. Engineers may use these same tools in addition to programming languages to build and test prototypes of new products. Also, while designers focus on aesthetics, engineers tend to concentrate on function.

Job Requirements

Designers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some may have a degree in another field, such as architecture. Engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although many pursue a master’s degree or higher. Both designers and engineers may need to be licensed in the state where they work. To become licensed, professionals must pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

Work Environment

Designers and engineers work in different environments. Designers typically work in offices, but they may also travel to meet with clients or attend events where they can showcase their designs. They may also work from home if they’re freelancing or running a business on their own.

Engineers usually work in an office environment, but they may also spend time working at construction sites or other locations where they can test their products. Some engineers may work for the military or government agencies, which means they may need security clearances.

Skills

Both designers and engineers need to have problem-solving skills. For designers, they typically design products that will solve a problem or address a need facing individuals, families and business owners. For engineers, one of their primary duties is responding to calls from customers about issues with their electrical systems.

An engineer needs technical skills to perform their job, including circuit design, advanced mathematics, linear systems and analysis and electrical schematics. A designer also needs technical knowledge, but they need to know more basic electrical information about how systems work. Both of these professionals need to have the ability to follow safety protocols because they are often working with dangerous materials.

While an engineer uses communication skills when they are creating reports of their research, corresponding with other engineers and colleagues and developing blueprints for their products, they are not necessarily going to be interacting with customers directly. A designer is going to need interpersonal skills because they will most likely be interacting with people on a daily basis while they assist customers with solving electrical issues.

Salary

The average salary for a designer is $70,469 per year, while the average salary for an engineer is $89,577 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the type of work you do, your level of experience and the company at which you work.