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The differences between optical engineers and research and development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $99,814 average annual salary of an optical engineer.
The top three skills for an optical engineer include zemax, data analysis and optical components. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Optical Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,814 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $47.99 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 26,628 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
An Optical Engineer designs optical devices to be used in eyewear, telescopes, cameras, and lasers. They ensure that optical and electronic components meet all given specifications.
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.
Optical engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Optical Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,814 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $140,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between an optical engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Optical Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Physics | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between optical engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Optical Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 27.1% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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% |