How To Become A PCB Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pcb designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Fred Garber Ph.D.

A PCB designer is a technical professional who uses computer software programs to design the layout for circuit boards and collaborates with engineers to create 3D models of circuit boards. They develop PCB design guidelines and draft plans for manufacturers that include schematics, assembly, and fabrication drawings. These individuals also identify and resolve mechanical design issues and draft layouts for standard and dense, hi-speed, multi-layer boards. They also perform required revisions and designs based on the specifications of customers and engineers and use AutoCAD software to design schematics for the PCB systems.

Many PCB designers do not necessarily have an advanced degree in any specific field. However, PCB designers most often have a degree or certification in an area that includes drafting, computer-aided design, electronic design, hands-on printed circuit board work, or other related areas. Also, most PCB positions typically require 0-2 years of related experience.

Landing a job as a PCB designer can be both worthwhile and rewarding. PCB designers can make up to $100,000 per year, and the career field is expected to grow 2% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to a pcb designer?

Fred Garber Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.

ScorePCB DesignerUS Average

Salary

5.8

Avg. Salary $74,841

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 14.65%

Black or African American 4.87%

Hispanic or Latino 11.35%

Unknown 4.71%

White 64.23%

Gender

female 14.60%

male 85.40%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.2

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pcb designer

Explore pcb designer education requirements

Most common pcb designer degrees

Associate

45.3 %

Bachelor's

35.9 %

Diploma

8.1 %

Start to develop specific pcb designer skills

Skills	Percentages
RF	10.44%
DFM	6.55%
PCB Layout	6.47%
Schematic Capture	5.85%
IPC Standards	4.46%

Complete relevant pcb designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pcb designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pcb designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pcb designer resumes.

Research pcb designer duties and responsibilities

Control and manage the testing documentation of magnetics and mechanical documents using custom small scale PDM system base on windows files.
Create training material, design standards and databases for component information using IPC, OrCAD CIS for MWD and LWD systems.
Verify with contract manufacturer that PCB assembly meets DFM & DFT guidelines.
Collaborate with local, national and international telecommunication providers to supply T1, DS3, OCN, E1 and Ethernet connectivity.

Prepare your pcb designer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pcb designer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a pcb designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable pcb designer resume templates

Build a professional pcb designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your pcb designer resume.