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The differences between pcb designers and electronics 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 an electronics engineer. Additionally, an electronics engineer has an average salary of $93,985, 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 an electronics engineer are analog, RF, and power electronics.
| PCB Designer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $93,985 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $45.19 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 83,870 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
An electronics engineer specializes in designing and developing electronic components and systems, ensuring efficiency in all aspects. They are primarily responsible for conducting tests and maintenance for systems, identifying any faults or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, an electronics engineer must coordinate with clients to consult them on their needs and meet with other skilled engineers to ensure optimal quality of equipment. An electronics engineer may also perform administrative tasks, mainly to produce progress reports and presentations, manage schedules, and craft instructional written materials for all electronic systems.
Pcb designers and electronics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $93,985 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $68,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and an electronics engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and electronics engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% |
| 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, 11.4% Asian, 15.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |