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The differences between aerodynamics engineers and research engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an aerodynamics engineer, becoming a research engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer has an average salary of $99,629, which is higher than the $96,945 average annual salary of a research engineer.
The top three skills for an aerodynamics engineer include aerospace, MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics. The most important skills for a research engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,629 | $96,945 |
| Hourly rate | $47.90 | $46.61 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 20,152 | 136,763 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An aerodynamics engineer is an aerodynamics expert who specializes in designing and developing aircraft components and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Among their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, developing prototypes and test structures, coordinating with experts, obtaining certifications, and complying with all the aviation laws and regulations. They may also gather and analyze data of existing systems and equipment to identify its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, an aerodynamics engineer must perform regular maintenance checks and assessments while maintaining an active communication line with staff.
Research Engineers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including researching and developing new technologies and prototypes, and finding solutions to improve techniques, procedures, and technologies.
Aerodynamics engineers and research engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,629 | $96,945 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $142,000 | Between $67,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Gulfstream Aerospace | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an aerodynamics engineer and a research engineer in terms of educational background:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between aerodynamics engineers' and research engineers' demographics:
| Aerodynamics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 13.5% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.9% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |