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The differences between junior mechanical 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 junior mechanical engineer and a research engineer. Additionally, a research engineer has an average salary of $96,945, which is higher than the $69,855 average annual salary of a junior mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a junior mechanical engineer include mechanical engineering, solidworks and mechanical systems. The most important skills for a research engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,855 | $96,945 |
| Hourly rate | $33.58 | $46.61 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 87,397 | 136,763 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A junior mechanical engineer is responsible for designing tools and equipment under the supervision of a senior mechanical engineer. Junior mechanical engineers assist in building project plans with the whole team from its conceptualization to final deliverables, following client specifications and business requirements according to budget limitations and deadlines. They also submit precise measurements, including the cost of materials and schematics. A junior mechanical engineer must have excellent technical, mechanical, and analytical skills, especially on writing detailed progress reports and adjust design plans as needed.
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.
Junior mechanical engineers and research engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average salary | $69,855 | $96,945 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $86,000 | Between $67,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Eaton | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a junior mechanical engineer and a research engineer in terms of educational background:
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 80% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between junior mechanical engineers' and research engineers' demographics:
| Junior Mechanical Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.3% 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% |