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The differences between pcb designers and cost 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 cost engineer. Additionally, a cost engineer has an average salary of $87,901, 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 cost engineer are project management, cost analysis, and construction management.
| PCB Designer | Cost Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $87,901 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $42.26 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 65,278 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.
Pcb designers and cost engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $87,901 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Apple | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Energy |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a cost engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Cost Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and cost engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9% |
| 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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |