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The differences between pcb designers and radio frequency 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 radio frequency engineer. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, 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 radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| PCB Designer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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 radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
Pcb designers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Technology |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 20.7% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |