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The differences between device 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 a device engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Device Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $97,458 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $46.85 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 42,316 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
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.
Device engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Device Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $97,458 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $130,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a device engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Device Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between device engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Device Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| 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, 4.6% 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% |