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The differences between electrical systems engineers and electronics engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an electrical systems engineer, becoming an electronics engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an electronics engineer has an average salary of $93,985, which is higher than the $86,969 average annual salary of an electrical systems engineer.
The top three skills for an electrical systems engineer include electrical engineering, electrical systems and system design. The most important skills for an electronics engineer are analog, RF, and power electronics.
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $86,969 | $93,985 |
| Hourly rate | $41.81 | $45.19 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 149,053 | 83,870 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Electrical Systems Engineers have licensed engineers who are usually employed in companies involved in power generating machines and activities. These companies are usually providers for buildings, train systems, and automobiles, among others. The engineer designs power lines and machinations to generate power. They ensure that power is properly distributed throughout the system. They identify risks involving short circuits and the like. They would then look for ways to mitigate these risks and apply the necessary controls. Electrical Systems Engineers should have strong analytical skills and quick decision-making skills.
An electronics engineer specializes in designing and developing electronic components and systems, ensuring efficiency in all aspects. They are primarily responsible for conducting tests and maintenance for systems, identifying any faults or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, an electronics engineer must coordinate with clients to consult them on their needs and meet with other skilled engineers to ensure optimal quality of equipment. An electronics engineer may also perform administrative tasks, mainly to produce progress reports and presentations, manage schedules, and craft instructional written materials for all electronic systems.
Electrical systems engineers and electronics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $86,969 | $93,985 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $113,000 | Between $68,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical systems engineer and an electronics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electrical systems engineers' and electronics engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Systems Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 15.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |