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The differences between electronics test engineers and controls 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 controls engineer. Additionally, a controls engineer has an average salary of $84,532, 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 controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Electronics test engineers and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and controls engineers' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |