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The differences between pcb designers and controls designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a pcb designer and a controls designer. Additionally, a controls designer has an average salary of $91,944, which is higher than the $74,841 average annual salary of a pcb designer.
The top three skills for a pcb designer include RF, DFM and pcb layout. The most important skills for a controls designer are PLC, control panels, and IDS.
| PCB Designer | Controls Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $91,944 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $44.20 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 79,729 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
PCB designers are professionals who use computer software programs to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), an electronic circuit that supports electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors. These designers must design and implement various circuit boards and perform revisions to apply changes that are based on the specifications of customers and engineers. They need to collaborate with the companies that fabricate and assemble PCBs to discuss the quality, cost-effective, and timely deliveries of PCBs. PCB designers must also use AutoCAD software to design schematics for the PCB systems.
Controls designers both design and draft systems of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls for equipment and machines. The designers make diagrams of the logic system for timing and sequence control. They illustrate and describe details for installation and maintenance, such as bearing lubrication and lubrication types. It is part of their job to review schematics with the representatives of customers to answer questions during robot system installation. Also, they may design energy conversion controls.
Pcb designers and controls designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Controls Designer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $91,944 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $69,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Apple | Visteon |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a controls designer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Controls Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and controls designers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Controls Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.6% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 17.7% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |