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The differences between electronics test engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an electronics test engineer, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, 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 an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Electronics test engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |