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The differences between field test engineers and radio frequency engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a field test engineer, becoming a radio frequency engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, 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 a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Field Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,767 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $35.95 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 97,199 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
Field test engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,767 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $96,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Livermore, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a field test engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Field Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between field test engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Field Test Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 20.7% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |