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The differences between 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 an 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 $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for an engineer include python, cloud and C++. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,077 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $44.27 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 618,207 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.33 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
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.
Engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,077 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $130,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Huntsville, AL | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Fort Bend County | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 5% | 5% |