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The differences between semiconductor 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 semiconductor 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 $96,951 average annual salary of a semiconductor engineer.
The top three skills for a semiconductor engineer include data analysis, RF and failure analysis. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Semiconductor Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,951 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $46.61 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 37,162 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
As a semiconductor engineer, your main job is to make semiconductors that are mostly made out of silicon. You have to create electrical products that enable the integration of workers, materials, and machines. Semiconductor engineers increase the efficiency of these semiconductors and develop new technologies for creating semiconductors for electric circuitry.
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.
Semiconductor engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Semiconductor Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,951 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $134,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Applied Materials | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a semiconductor engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Semiconductor Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between semiconductor engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Semiconductor Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.0% White, 66.4% 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% |