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The differences between structural analysis engineers and product 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 structural analysis engineer, becoming a product development engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a structural analysis engineer has an average salary of $98,208, which is higher than the $86,075 average annual salary of a product development engineer.
The top three skills for a structural analysis engineer include structural analysis, analysis tools and structural integrity. The most important skills for a product development engineer are CAD, solidworks, and product development.
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,208 | $86,075 |
| Hourly rate | $47.22 | $41.38 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 26,462 | 202,155 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A Structural Analysis Engineer is responsible for evaluating the construction processes of establishments and other industrial properties and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards. Structural Analysis Engineers assess the materials and equipment used for the operations to confirm compliance with the budget limitations and timetables. They also check the structures and foundations of the construction and recommend techniques to enhance the element integrity. A Structural Analysis Engineer designs construction plans, conduct cost and statistical analysis, and coordinates with the clients for progress updates and any adjustments.
A Product Development Engineer is responsible for creating and testing new product designs. They collaborate with market researchers to evaluate market needs, existing competition, and potential costs.
Structural analysis engineers and product development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,208 | $86,075 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $145,000 | Between $64,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Amazon |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between a structural analysis engineer and a product development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between structural analysis engineers' and product development engineers' demographics:
| Structural Analysis Engineer | Product Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 19.4% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.7% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |