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The differences between electronic system 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 electronic system engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, an electronic system engineer has an average salary of $92,086, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for an electronic system engineer include RF, C++ and EW. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Electronic System Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,086 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $44.27 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 65,208 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An electronic system engineer works best when it comes to designing electronic components for the upgrading of gadgets and machines. They use their expertise in various industries such as commercial, medical, and military groups. They can also create a power-saving application to ensure prolonged use of gadgets. System engineers first test products for quality control and assurance before distributing them to the masses, ensuring the safety and comfortability of those who will use them.
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.
Electronic system engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronic System Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,086 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $123,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Randstad North America, Inc. | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electronic system engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronic System Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electronic system engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Electronic System Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% 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% |