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The differences between field test engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a field test engineer and an electrical engineer. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $74,767 average annual salary of a field test engineer.
The top three skills for a field test engineer include field testing, test results and RF. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,767 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $35.95 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 97,199 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Field test engineers evaluate operational performances and recommend improvements if needed. Field test engineers develop standard procedures for field testing and log test results accurately for future reference. Part of their responsibilities is to perform root cause analysis to determine the reason for product failures and develop corrective actions. They document all corrective actions accurately, maintain testing equipment and supplies in good working condition, and collaborate with support engineers in troubleshooting and resolving problems.
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.
Field test engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,767 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $96,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Livermore, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a field test engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between field test engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Field Test Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 16.8% White, 62.0% 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% |