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The differences between process engineers and research and development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a process engineer, becoming a research and development engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $82,443 average annual salary of a process engineer.
The top three skills for a process engineer include continuous improvement, sigma and lean manufacturing. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,443 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $39.64 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 66,937 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A Process Engineer is responsible for coming up with innovative ways to process particular raw materials into different kinds of products. They can also modify various existing machines or maintain their quality by monitoring its functions and conducting tests and examinations. A Process Engineer must do numerous analyses and research to gather data that would help determine possible improvements or decisions to uphold. Furthermore, A Process Engineer also has the task of procuring and installing new equipment, collecting and interpreting data, assessing risks, and ensuring that tasks are done safely.
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.
Process engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,443 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $108,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rio Rancho, NM | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a process engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between process engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 15.6% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 4% | 5% |