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The differences between associate process engineers and research and development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $79,046 average annual salary of an associate process engineer.
The top three skills for an associate process engineer include process engineering, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Associate Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $79,046 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $38.00 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 57,344 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
An associate process engineer specializes in designing and developing machinery and equipment to optimize business processes and operations. Their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the existing production processes, devising strategies for optimal performance, and coordinating with the workforce for further analysis. An associate process engineer may also install and repair equipment, test new systems, and conduct regular maintenance checks to maintain a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
Associate process engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $79,046 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $96,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tulsa, OK | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Tesoro | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an associate process engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between associate process engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Associate Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 20.4% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.7% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |