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The differences between hydraulic engineers and research 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 hydraulic engineer and a research engineer. Additionally, a research engineer has an average salary of $96,945, which is higher than the $84,440 average annual salary of a hydraulic engineer.
The top three skills for a hydraulic engineer include hec ras, civil engineering and HEC-RAS. The most important skills for a research engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Hydraulic Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,440 | $96,945 |
| Hourly rate | $40.60 | $46.61 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 91,749 | 136,763 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Hydraulics engineers are engineering professionals who design projects that are related to the movement and control of fluids. These engineers must perform many studies to understand water systems and design dams, drainage systems, and levees for the local government. They are required to participate in the water resources and flood control planning by creating a deep foundation and flood control structure designs. Hydraulics must also communicate with clients and governing bodies to address their concerns about stormwater and erosion.
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.
Hydraulic engineers and research engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hydraulic Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,440 | $96,945 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $118,000 | Between $67,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Phillips 66 | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a hydraulic engineer and a research engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hydraulic Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between hydraulic engineers' and research engineers' demographics:
| Hydraulic Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 14.9% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 5% | 5% |