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The differences between electronics test 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 electronics test engineer and a communications engineer. Additionally, a communications engineer has an average salary of $83,540, which is higher than the $80,610 average annual salary of an electronics test engineer.
The top three skills for an electronics test engineer include RF, labview and C++. The most important skills for a communications engineer are RF, unified communications, and unity.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $83,540 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $40.16 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 71,942 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An electronics test engineer tests plans for use on electronic products, components, and systems. As an electronics test engineer, you will be responsible for evaluating and testing these products to ensure their quality. This role will require you to perform other tasks that include developing digital test patterns for mix signal testing and ASIC, developing procedures and test plans for electronic components and systems, and writing instructions for system assembly. You will also be responsible for evaluating the performance of electronic systems and providing recommendations for improvements.
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.
Electronics test engineers and communications engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $83,540 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | Shearman & Sterling |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and a communications engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and communications engineers' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Communications Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |