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The differences between plastics 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 $80,304 average annual salary of a plastics engineer.
The top three skills for a plastics engineer include sigma, project management and extrusion. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Plastics Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,304 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $38.61 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 47,267 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
Plastics engineers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and they will receive training opportunities that involve workshops and seminars to keep job skills current. This career requires skills in Sigma, project management, CAD, product quality, and product design. Those who choose this career path engage in manufacturing, fabrication, and end use testing of existing materials and the development of new processes, materials, and equipment.
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.
Plastics engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plastics Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,304 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $106,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Union City, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Pfizer | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a plastics engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Plastics Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Plastics Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between plastics engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Plastics Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 17.3% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 5% |