Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between research and development engineers and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a research and development engineer, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a research and development engineer include python, R and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $100,169 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $48.16 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 187,910 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Research and development engineers and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $100,169 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $135,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Meta | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a research and development engineer and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between research and development engineers' and mechanics' demographics:
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 2% |