Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for research and development engineers in the United States
Research and development engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected research and development engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for research and development engineers are projected over the next decade.
Research and development engineer salaries have increased 7% for research and development engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 22,050 research and development engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 187,910 active research and development engineer job openings in the US.
The average research and development engineer salary is $100,169.
Are research and development engineer jobs in demand?
Research and development engineer job and salary trends over time
Research and development engineer jobs over time
Research and development engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22,050 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 22,947 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 23,770 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 23,344 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 22,361 | 0.01% |
Average research and development engineer salary over time
Research and development engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,169 | $48.16 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $98,247 | $47.23 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $97,069 | $46.67 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $95,414 | $45.87 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $93,536 | $44.97 | +0.7% |
Research and development engineer jobs by state
Most common states for research and development engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 434 | 63% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,049 | 55% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,475 | 44% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,669 | 40% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,168 | 37% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,550 | 37% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 720 | 37% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 231 | 37% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 348 | 36% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 270 | 36% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 13,699 | 35% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 465 | 35% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 375 | 35% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,837 | 33% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 278 | 32% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,932 | 31% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 2,153 | 31% |
| 18 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 3,162 | 30% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 929 | 30% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 581 | 28% |
Most common cities for research and development engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 6 | 22% | $72,419 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 7 | 18% | $93,262 |
| 3 | Juneau | 6 | 18% | $103,149 |
| 4 | Albuquerque | 32 | 6% | $111,648 |
| 5 | Hartford | 7 | 6% | $86,007 |
| 6 | Topeka | 7 | 6% | $74,718 |
| 7 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $82,676 |
| 8 | Irvine | 9 | 3% | $119,494 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 6 | 3% | $89,133 |
| 10 | Des Moines | 6 | 3% | $75,370 |
| 11 | Montgomery | 6 | 3% | $76,781 |
| 12 | Boston | 10 | 1% | $100,041 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $79,759 |
| 14 | Washington | 7 | 1% | $99,966 |
| 15 | Denver | 6 | 1% | $98,843 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $76,038 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 6 | 1% | $134,460 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 8 | 0% | $95,952 |
Research And Development Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research and development engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Maine
Arizona State University
Duke University
University of Wisconsin - Platteville
Oregon State University
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Marilyn Cipolla PhD: There are many directions to go with a BME degree and it may take some trial and error to find what you are passionate about but keep trying! You are our future. Work hard to find solutions to big problems.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Cipolla PhD: Computational and coding skills are increasingly being needed in many areas of BME, including image processing, robotics, digital health, wearable sensing, protein engineering and computational biology. Computational approaches can add a dimension to many other areas in BME as well. Also, working in collaboration with other disciplines. BME is already interdisciplinary; however, working with other engineering disciplines (electrical, computer, mechanical) will likely be more important as areas such as robotics and image processing expand.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Davide Masato: In the forthcoming years, key skills in plastics engineering will undoubtedly continue to revolve around material selection, leveraging digital tools like simulation for design optimization, and automation. Sustainability will be paramount and should be vertically integrated in the plastics industry. However, of utmost importance will be considering sustainability at the design phase to maximize benefits throughout the product life cycle and at its end of life.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Thomas Congedo PhD: Your best friend will be a curious frame of mind, accompanied by a diligent approach to learning new scientific elements and methods, often taught to you by your senior colleagues.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Timothy Lannin: From what I've learned from my students, salary potential isn't necessarily a high priority. Sure, bioengineers want to be able to pay bills and live comfortably, but nearly every student I talk to views BIOE as a way to have an impact—to build and to discover things that improve the human condition. So most bioengineering students are prioritizing building a skillset to go do that, rather than to maximize salary.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Lannin: I've asked industry leaders the question 'why would you hire a bioengineer to a team instead of hiring a mix of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and biologists?' They gave a few insights. First, bioengineers design and execute great experiments. Biological things are squishy and messy, and although some things can be explained with math models and physics/chemistry, proving reliability comes down to experimentation. Some among engineers, bioengineers do that more than most other engineering disciplines. Bioengineers live at the interface between science (discovering new knowledge) and engineering (using knowledge to solve problems). Second, there is a breadth in bioengineering training that allows bioengineers to speak the language of many disciplines. There is training in mechanics, electronics, and biology that a bioengineer can use to bring teams together. Third, bioengineering has emerged with a number of techniques (e.g. genetic manipulations) that are specific to this discipline, that are the best way to solve many problems.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Timothy Lannin: My advice would be to 1) learn lots of hands-on skills (coding, wet lab, experimental design), 2) use math/chemistry/physics to describe something simply (but roughly) before diving into too much complexity, and 3) focus on finding a team of co-workers and colleagues who value your growth and treat you with kindness and respect.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: My advice to recent graduates is to be open to non-conventional roles. Taking on responsibilities beyond one’s official discipline provides broader value to employers. Many students that graduate with degrees in mechanical engineering (or similar disciplines) find great success by stepping outside of their expected job title. Sometimes exploring roles with titles like “analyst” or “manager” or “designer” can provide interesting opportunities to apply one’s engineering skillset in an alternate context. The real strength of your degree is the transferable skillset that you developed along your educational journey. Keep your options open!
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megumi Usui: Given the rapid advancement in AI technology, its potential integration into the drafting and design field remains uncertain in terms of timing and methodology. However, if and when AI becomes a significant component of this industry, it will be crucial to find ways to collaborate effectively with AI systems to leverage their capabilities for the betterment of society. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, this collaborative approach will be essential. In this evolving landscape, proficiency in CAD skills remains indispensable. It is important to emphasize that CAD expertise extends beyond mere modeling; professionals must also ensure that their designs are sustainable and adhere to the latest industry standards. This holistic approach is critical for addressing contemporary challenges and aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, the significance of complementary skills such as effective communication and time management cannot be overstated. These competencies are vital for the successful execution of projects and fostering productive collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. By integrating technical proficiency with these essential soft skills, professionals can excel in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, positioning themselves to adapt to future technological advancement.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Karissa Tilbury Ph.D: It is critical to demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner. Take online courses, develop portfolios of your work to showcase and learn the art of negotiating.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karissa Tilbury Ph.D: With the use of AI, the importance of critical thinking is vital. I anticipate that this will continue as critical thinking is what separates us from AI technology.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Karissa Tilbury Ph.D: Be willing to take calculated risks, frequently biomedical engineering students graduate feeling as if they are a jack of all trades but master of none. Turn this on its head and be sure to know how you can sell yourself as a potential employee.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Josh Hihath Ph.D.: It is becoming increasingly important to be able to work with machine learning systems. As these systems become more prevalent they will become part of the workflow for many engineering jobs. Understanding how they work, and how to work with them will be critical to being successful.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Dr. Jimmie Lenz D.B.A.: A primary reason is the value placed on the quantitative nature of an engineering degree and the fact that this is primarily applied learning and skills, as opposed to the theoretical nature of some other areas of quantitative study. Being able to start working as soon as they start is very attractive to employers, as well as the broad knowledge of software, artificial intelligence, and data science that most engineers leave school with.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Prof. Harold Evensen: Engineering Physics students and graduates like gaining an understanding of the “physics” of why or how something works, and then applying this knowledge to make judgments and improvements. They also like learning and applying knowledge from several disciplines. A common “dislike” is beyond their control: some employers may not understand what “Engineering Physics” is, or may have incorrect preconceived notions. At UW-Platteville, employers are familiar with this major, which is approaching 30 years on campus. Additionally, faculty work with students on how to present their “story” to employers. Engineering Physics students need to be able to present their strengths and abilities to employers, and often can’t rely only on “name recognition.” In the long run, this is better, anyway. Overall, we have had success: among accredited Engineering Physics degree programs in the U.S., UW-Platteville puts the most graduates directly into industry!
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Devin Roach PhD: Maximizing your salary potential starts with setting yourself apart from other students by developing specialized, marketable skills. To achieve this, students should aim to acquire targeted experiences, such as learning full stack programming, participating in internships that hone specific skills, or dedicating their time to a focused extracurricular activity.
Professor Alejandro Ojeda
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Research And Development Engineer?
Professor Alejandro Ojeda: Demonstrate that you can contribute and add value right away. One differentiator between BMEs and other engineering fields is that you have been introduced to product and process development, in addition to the engineering fundamentals you and your peers in other engineering majors have learned in school. This means that you are, although inexperienced, knowledgeable in the fields of design development, risk management, project management, verification, validation, and operations. You speak the industry’s language. Additionally, BME requires students to be well-versed in multiple engineering and scientific fields, instead of hyperspecializing in one. Use this to your advantage. Become articulate in communicating this skillset to potential employers. I have seen numerous recent grads who skip entry-level Engineering I positions or are offered higher starting salaries because they can contribute beyond what is expected at their experience level.
What Research And Development Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Alejandro Ojeda: As amazing new technologies such as AI invariably become mainstream, I believe, however, that the skills which will become even more important and valuable aren’t necessarily technical, but rather intra and interpersonal. Great engineering is, has always been, and will always be about *people*. Machines and computers are wonderful tools, but they will never replace the human element. They’re complimentary, not substitutive. The most successful engineers are those who have mastered the ability to lead, to communicate effectively, to reciprocate, to think critically and creatively, to feel comfortable taking risks, to problem solve, to prioritize, to make difficult decisions, to work well within teams, to show confidence in adversity, to perform under pressure, and to self-motivate and self-validate.
What will help Research And Development Engineers increase their earning potential?
Professor Alejandro Ojeda: Accept the fact that this is only the beginning of your journey. Despite how well prepared and knowledgeable you are coming out of engineering school, there is still so much to learn and discover. Keep an open mind. Make it your ethos to become approachable and coachable. You will now have the time and latitude to actively pursue your interests and grow as an engineer. Learn something new every day. You’d be amazed at how many seasoned engineering professionals are willing to teach you and train you if you are willing to ask.