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The differences between device engineers and product development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a device engineer and a product development engineer. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $86,075 average annual salary of a product development engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a product development engineer are CAD, solidworks, and product development.
| Device Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $86,075 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $41.38 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 202,155 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A device engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical devices and equipment in adherence to industry or client needs. They may work for companies that produce medical, construction, or even manufacturing devices. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place of employment, they typically include conducting research and analysis, creating prototypes and test structures, coordinating with staff and fellow engineers, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a device engineer participates in developing and promoting safety standards and regulations for the products and the workplace.
A Product Development Engineer is responsible for creating and testing new product designs. They collaborate with market researchers to evaluate market needs, existing competition, and potential costs.
Device engineers and product development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $86,075 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $64,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Amazon |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a product development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and product development engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.7% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |