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The differences between associate electrical engineers and radio frequency engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an associate electrical engineer, becoming a radio frequency engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $71,773 average annual salary of an associate electrical engineer.
The top three skills for an associate electrical engineer include electrical components, electrical equipment and RF. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Associate Electrical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,773 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $34.51 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 31,707 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
An associate electrical engineer is responsible for organizing and developing electrical systems, improving existing components, and designing infrastructure under the guidance of the senior electrical engineer. Associate electrical engineers identify cost-reduction materials and analyze current electrical industry trends to determine efficient products and equipment that support public demands and industrial use. They collaborate testing methods with the engineering team, suggest project improvement techniques, and perform quality assurance procedures to stabilize the electrical system's optimal performance.
A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
Associate electrical engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Electrical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,773 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $100,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | McKinsey & Company Inc | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Technology |
There are a few differences between an associate electrical engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Electrical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between associate electrical engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Associate Electrical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.6% Female, 13.4% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 20.7% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |