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The differences between electro optical engineers and pcb designers 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 pcb designer. Additionally, an electro optical engineer has an average salary of $94,958, which is higher than the $74,841 average annual salary of a pcb designer.
The top three skills for an electro optical engineer include system performance, C++ and data analysis. The most important skills for a pcb designer are RF, DFM, and pcb layout.
| Electro Optical Engineer | PCB Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $94,958 | $74,841 |
| Hourly rate | $45.65 | $35.98 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 12,443 | 72,971 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| 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.
PCB designers are professionals who use computer software programs to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), an electronic circuit that supports electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors. These designers must design and implement various circuit boards and perform revisions to apply changes that are based on the specifications of customers and engineers. They need to collaborate with the companies that fabricate and assemble PCBs to discuss the quality, cost-effective, and timely deliveries of PCBs. PCB designers must also use AutoCAD software to design schematics for the PCB systems.
Electro optical engineers and pcb designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electro Optical Engineer | PCB Designer | |
| Average salary | $94,958 | $74,841 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $132,000 | Between $48,000 And $116,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lynnwood, WA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | 3M Company | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an electro optical engineer and a pcb designer in terms of educational background:
| Electro Optical Engineer | PCB Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electro optical engineers' and pcb designers' demographics:
| Electro Optical Engineer | PCB Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% |
| 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, 14.6% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |