Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between avionics engineers and senior 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 a senior electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior electrical engineer has an average salary of $109,315, which is higher than the $95,470 average annual salary of an avionics engineer.
The top three skills for an avionics engineer include FAA, avionics systems and electrical systems. The most important skills for a senior electrical engineer are control systems, electrical equipment, and electrical systems.
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,470 | $109,315 |
| Hourly rate | $45.90 | $52.56 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 30,744 | 82,639 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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.
A senior electrical engineer is an individual who leads other engineers to review electrical design plans and analyze existing electrical systems. Senior electrical engineers must establish relationships with clients, vendors, and suppliers to ensure that projects are completed according to specifications. They create project budgets and produce working schedules and company regulations to make sure that a safe and positive working environment is achieved. Senior electrical engineers must be passionate about engineering development by attending electrical conferences and events.
Avionics engineers and senior electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,470 | $109,315 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $135,000 | Between $82,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Englewood, CO | Seattle, 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 a senior electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 senior electrical engineers' demographics:
| Avionics Engineer | Senior Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 93.7% Female, 6.3% |
| 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, 11.3% Asian, 15.5% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |