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The differences between electrical test engineers and radio frequency 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 test engineer, becoming a radio frequency engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $74,723 average annual salary of an electrical test engineer.
The top three skills for an electrical test engineer include data analysis, labview and C++. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Electrical Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,723 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $35.92 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 69,793 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
An electrical test engineer specializes in developing test structures to ensure the quality and efficiency of electrical systems and equipment. Among their responsibilities include understanding and identifying the needs of electrical projects, troubleshooting errors, gathering and analyzing materials to find defects and inconsistencies, conducting tests and examinations, and analyzing test results. Moreover, an electrical test engineer must also study and identify the root of problems, recommending and implementing solutions while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
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.
Electrical test engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,723 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $98,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical test engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electrical test engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% 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% |