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The differences between research and development engineers and mechanical 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 research and development engineer and a mechanical engineer. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $75,352 average annual salary of a mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for a research and development engineer include python, R and solidworks. The most important skills for a mechanical engineer are CAD, solidworks, and mechanical systems.
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,169 | $75,352 |
| Hourly rate | $48.16 | $36.23 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 187,910 | 105,618 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
Research and development engineers and mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,169 | $75,352 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $135,000 | Between $58,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a research and development engineer and a mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between research and development engineers' and mechanical engineers' demographics:
| Research And Development Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |