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The differences between pcb designers and special project 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 special project engineer. Additionally, a pcb designer has an average salary of $74,841, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for a pcb designer include RF, DFM and pcb layout. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| PCB Designer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| 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 special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.
Pcb designers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |