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The differences between drive test 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 drive test engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $76,872 average annual salary of a drive test engineer.
The top three skills for a drive test engineer include data collection, GPS and pre. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Drive Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,872 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $36.96 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 36,537 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
For cars and other automobiles' best performance, drive test engineers can be asked for suggestions. From their expertise, one can ensure that the chosen car is equipped with the necessary accessories such as GPS, Bluetooth hubs, an air conditioner, locks, and USB ports. They train and teach people how to drive safely, following road laws and protocols. They monitor for enhancements and provide reports to stakeholders and managers for its application. They can troubleshoot minor software problems in automobiles.
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.
Drive test engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drive Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,872 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $103,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a drive test engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Drive Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between drive test engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Drive Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 15.9% White, 63.1% 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% |