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The differences between pcb designers and controls 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 pcb designer and a controls engineer. Additionally, a controls engineer has an average salary of $84,532, 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 engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| PCB Designer | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Pcb designers and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and controls engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| 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, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |