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The differences between electronics test engineers and cost 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 cost engineer. Additionally, a cost engineer has an average salary of $87,901, 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 cost engineer are project management, cost analysis, and construction management.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $87,901 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $42.26 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 65,278 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.
Electronics test engineers and cost engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $87,901 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and a cost engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and cost engineers' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9% |
| 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, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |