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The differences between mechatronics 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 mechatronics engineer and a research engineer. Additionally, a research engineer has an average salary of $96,945, which is higher than the $75,419 average annual salary of a mechatronics engineer.
The top three skills for a mechatronics engineer include mechatronics, python and solidworks. The most important skills for a research engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Mechatronics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,419 | $96,945 |
| Hourly rate | $36.26 | $46.61 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 82,414 | 136,763 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A mechatronics engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical systems to produce different products, ensuring quality and smooth workflow. They may also assess existing systems and implement improvements for optimal performance. Typically, a mechatronics engineer's responsibilities revolve around devising test structures to identify any vulnerabilities in the machines, performing regular maintenance checks to ensure safety and efficiency, and recommending solutions to improve other facilities. Furthermore, they may also conduct research and analysis, prepare progress reports and presentations, and participate in training new members of the workforce.
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.
Mechatronics engineers and research engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechatronics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,419 | $96,945 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $116,000 | Between $67,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a mechatronics engineer and a research engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mechatronics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mechatronics engineers' and research engineers' demographics:
| Mechatronics Engineer | Research Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 81.7% Female, 18.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 16.9% White, 67.6% 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% |