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The differences between electro optical 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 an electro optical engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, an electro optical engineer has an average salary of $94,958, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for an electro optical engineer include system performance, C++ and data analysis. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $94,958 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $45.65 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 12,443 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
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.
Electro optical engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electro Optical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $94,958 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $132,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lynnwood, WA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | 3M Company | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electro optical engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electro optical engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Electro Optical Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| 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, 4.6% 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% |