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The differences between electronics test engineers and electronics 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 an electronics engineer. Additionally, an electronics engineer has an average salary of $93,985, 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 electronics engineer are analog, RF, and power electronics.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,610 | $93,985 |
| Hourly rate | $38.75 | $45.19 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,182 | 83,870 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
An electronics engineer specializes in designing and developing electronic components and systems, ensuring efficiency in all aspects. They are primarily responsible for conducting tests and maintenance for systems, identifying any faults or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, an electronics engineer must coordinate with clients to consult them on their needs and meet with other skilled engineers to ensure optimal quality of equipment. An electronics engineer may also perform administrative tasks, mainly to produce progress reports and presentations, manage schedules, and craft instructional written materials for all electronic systems.
Electronics test engineers and electronics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,610 | $93,985 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $107,000 | Between $68,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Synaptics | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electronics test engineer and an electronics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between electronics test engineers' and electronics engineers' demographics:
| Electronics Test Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% |
| 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, 15.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |