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The differences between pcb designers and project 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 project controls engineer. Additionally, a project controls engineer has an average salary of $86,685, 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 project controls engineer are project controls, project management, and construction management.
| PCB Designer | Project Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $86,685 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $41.68 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 38,974 |
| 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 Project Controls Engineer creates project cost reports and progress charts. These professionals interpret the company contract and deal with the existing cost control database and financial risk. Project Controls Engineers reconcile and organize the project cost information with the clients' status reports. Also, they evaluate cash flow reports and project cost reports prepared by CMA.
Pcb designers and project controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Project Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $86,685 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $63,000 And $119,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Energy |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a project controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Project Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and project controls engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Project Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7% |
| 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% |