<p>How much do research engineers make compared to production engineers and managers?</p>
<p>Usually research engineer has higher degree like PHD. Their starting salary range suppose to be in between 60K to 90K and top out at about 120K with less job security.
The salary of plant manager at big chemical company should be 100K + plus
bonus (depends it is a good year or not ).</p>
<p>Less job security than who?</p>
<p>Thinking about a lagre company want to cut thier budget.
They will limit their expansion projects and cut unnecessary research projects first.
Usually they will keep thier operation engineer and marketing engineer untill the last minute.</p>
<p>I always thought research engineers had the most job security because it's much harder to come by a person with a Ph.D. than one with a B.S. or M.B.A. I didn't think they would be the ones to get tossed out first.</p>
<p>So what are the benefits of having a PHD? I know that a lot of faculty positions (in academia) are easier to get with a PHD. Are you saying that PHD is less valued that an MBA? </p>
<p>And if you could answer the difference between programs for a MS in Engineering Management versus an MBA, I would greatly appreciate it. The MS is probably rarer, but is it as valued in engineering? </p>
<p>What type of work does a ChemE typically do? Would you consider it interesting work? My problem is I am still trying to decide on an engineering major (while I am still early in my education). How does it compare to a MechE? </p>
<p>Again, I am happy there are so many on this board who have been in the field, and you all have been very helpful.</p>
<p>I would like to know that too. It doesn't make sense that research engineers have low salaries and job security. It's so much harder to earn a Ph.D. than an M.B.A.</p>