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The differences between electro optical 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 an electro optical engineer and a communications engineer. Additionally, an electro optical engineer has an average salary of $94,958, which is higher than the $83,540 average annual salary of a communications engineer.
The top three skills for an electro optical engineer include system performance, C++ and data analysis. The most important skills for a communications engineer are RF, unified communications, and unity.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $94,958 | $83,540 |
| Hourly rate | $45.65 | $40.16 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 12,443 | 71,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An electro-optical engineer performs engineering tasks related to electronic and optical devices, creates optical designs, and assists users of laser optics. The essential skills that an electro-optical engineer should possess to perform his/her or her responsibilities include good mathematical and speaking skills and the ability to concentrate to create complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. The education requirements for the job include a college degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
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.
Electro optical engineers and communications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $94,958 | $83,540 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $132,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lynnwood, WA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | 3M Company | Shearman & Sterling |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Finance |
There are a few differences between an electro optical engineer and a communications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between electro optical engineers' and communications engineers' demographics:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 15.7% White, 63.6% 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% |