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The differences between device engineers and communications engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a device engineer and a communications engineer. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $83,540 average annual salary of a communications engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a communications engineer are RF, unified communications, and unity.
| Device Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $83,540 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $40.16 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 71,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A device engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical devices and equipment in adherence to industry or client needs. They may work for companies that produce medical, construction, or even manufacturing devices. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place of employment, they typically include conducting research and analysis, creating prototypes and test structures, coordinating with staff and fellow engineers, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a device engineer participates in developing and promoting safety standards and regulations for the products and the workplace.
The duties of a communications engineer depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around designing and developing new systems to optimize operations, performing research and assessments to identify company needs, determining the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, and providing solutions on issues and concerns. Furthermore, as a communications engineer, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and productive work environment, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Device engineers and communications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $83,540 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Shearman & Sterling |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a communications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and communications engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |