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The differences between device engineers and research and 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 research and development engineer. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $97,458 average annual salary of a device engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Device Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
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.
Device engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| 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, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |