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The differences between circuit design engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a circuit design engineer, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a circuit design engineer has an average salary of $107,694, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a circuit design engineer include circuit design, CMOS and RF. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Circuit Design Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $107,694 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $51.78 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,906 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A circuit design engineer specializes in designing and developing electrical components and circuits in devices and machinery. Among their responsibilities include identifying the needs of every project, developing strategies to attain optimal quality, developing diagrams and test structures, troubleshooting, and repairing issues. They must also perform regular maintenance checks on existing systems and perform upgrades and corrective measures as needed. Moreover, a circuit design engineer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Circuit design engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Circuit Design Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $107,694 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $84,000 And $137,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Federal Way, WA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a circuit design engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Circuit Design Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between circuit design engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Circuit Design Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 19.9% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 6% | 6% |