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The differences between avionics engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an avionics engineer, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an avionics engineer has an average salary of $95,470, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for an avionics engineer include FAA, avionics systems and electrical systems. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Avionics Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,470 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $45.90 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 30,744 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Avionics Engineers are responsible for the design and development of avionics systems. They are involved in implementing economic and innovative techniques for avionic systems manufacturing, testing all parts and systems, rectifying faulty parts, and scheduling maintenance and inspection. They also prepare progress reports to update stakeholders involved, assist in proposals and bid preparation, and develop training programs for their junior engineering staff. Avionics Engineers must always comply with government regulations and industry best practices.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Avionics engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Avionics Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,470 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $135,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Englewood, CO | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Washington |
| Best paying company | Allegiant International | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between an avionics engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Avionics Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between avionics engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Avionics Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |