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Microwave engineer vs radio frequency engineer

The differences between microwave engineers and radio frequency engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a microwave engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, a microwave engineer has an average salary of $95,761, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.

The top three skills for a microwave engineer include RF, google earth and MATLAB. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.

Microwave engineer vs radio frequency engineer overview

Microwave EngineerRadio Frequency Engineer
Yearly salary$95,761$88,301
Hourly rate$46.04$42.45
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs18,73035,158
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

Microwave engineer vs radio frequency engineer salary

Microwave engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Microwave EngineerRadio Frequency Engineer
Average salary$95,761$88,301
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $142,000Between $67,000 And $115,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CACupertino, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyRenesas ElectronicsMeta
Best paying industryInternetTechnology

Differences between microwave engineer and radio frequency engineer education

There are a few differences between a microwave engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:

Microwave EngineerRadio Frequency Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityNortheastern University

Microwave engineer vs radio frequency engineer demographics

Here are the differences between microwave engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:

Microwave EngineerRadio Frequency Engineer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between microwave engineer and radio frequency engineer duties and responsibilities

Microwave engineer example responsibilities.

  • Perform detailed analysis to determine antenna size, radio equipment and frequency band to achieve maximum system performance.
  • Design of a 138kV transmission line using PLS CADD and LiDar survey points.
  • Design 5 RF PC boards in 4 months, as well as supporting documents and schematics.
  • Upgrade as well as configured the CDMA sets for new software version using ZTE PST and QPST.
  • Prepare monthly and weekly status reports for execute activities in ZAIN SD network within the assigned node.
  • Assist in design and test of antennas for airborne and groundbase EW systems including broadband, low sidelobe components.
  • Show more

Radio frequency engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage joint projects together with Samsung, Motorola, etc.
  • Lead the development of the security layer of Wi-Fi on Sandbridge's proprietary platform.
  • Assist with live broadcasts, update the community calendar, manage WCJW Facebook page.
  • Process improvement efforts and/or other opportunities to automate these processes with computer applications with C++ and/or Java where applicable.
  • Measure stationary test for DL and UL throughput using iPerf.
  • Advance WLAN troubleshooting on WLAN infrastructures, as well as surveying using AirMagnet.
  • Show more

Microwave engineer vs radio frequency engineer skills

Common microwave engineer skills
  • RF, 33%
  • Google Earth, 7%
  • MATLAB, 7%
  • Network Design, 7%
  • Antenna, 5%
  • MW, 4%
Common radio frequency engineer skills
  • Test Equipment, 9%
  • Antenna, 7%
  • System Performance, 4%
  • System Design, 4%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
  • Macro, 3%

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