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The differences between automation & controls engineers and radio frequency engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an automation & controls engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, an automation & controls engineer has an average salary of $89,542, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for an automation & controls engineer include PLC, HMI and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,542 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $43.05 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 54,312 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An automation & controls engineer is responsible for designing technology systems to support business operations and maximize productivity, minimizing costing effects, and develop efficient and fast deliverables. Automation & controls engineers analyze client specifications and business requirements, running multiple diagnostic and troubleshooting tests to ensure the accuracy of outputs according to budget limitations and project management procedures. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, especially on writing system codes and a strong command of programming languages.
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.
Automation & controls engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,542 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $116,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Carlos, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Integrated DNA Technologies | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an automation & controls engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between automation & controls engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Automation & Controls Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.2% 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% |