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The differences between research and development engineers and student 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 student engineer. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $71,947 average annual salary of a student engineer.
The top three skills for a research and development engineer include python, R and solidworks. The most important skills for a student engineer are GPA, C++, and CAD.
| Research And Development Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,169 | $71,947 |
| Hourly rate | $48.16 | $34.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 187,910 | 98,036 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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.
A student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.
Research and development engineers and student engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research And Development Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Average salary | $100,169 | $71,947 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $135,000 | Between $54,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Yakima, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a research and development engineer and a student engineer in terms of educational background:
| Research And Development Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between research and development engineers' and student engineers' demographics:
| Research And Development Engineer | Student Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.9% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |