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The differences between pcb designers and telecommunication 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 telecommunication engineer. Additionally, a telecommunication engineer has an average salary of $80,789, 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 telecommunication engineer are telecommunication, voip, and RF.
| PCB Designer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $74,841 | $80,789 |
| Hourly rate | $35.98 | $38.84 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 72,971 | 28,331 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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 telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.
Pcb designers and telecommunication engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PCB Designer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average salary | $74,841 | $80,789 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $116,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Finance |
There are a few differences between a pcb designer and a telecommunication engineer in terms of educational background:
| PCB Designer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between pcb designers' and telecommunication engineers' demographics:
| PCB Designer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6% | Male, 87.7% Female, 12.3% |
| 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% |