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The differences between principal design engineers 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 principal design engineer and a radio frequency engineer. Additionally, a principal design engineer has an average salary of $134,300, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for a principal design engineer include RF, principal design and CAD. The most important skills for a radio frequency engineer are test equipment, antenna, and system performance.
| Principal Design Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $134,300 | $88,301 |
| Hourly rate | $64.57 | $42.45 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 120,887 | 35,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A principal design engineer is responsible for designing and managing manufacturing automation, renewable and solar systems integration engineering projects, and energy reduction projects. You will oversee the project's design, estimate and secure materials, and manage schedules. Additionally, you will be responsible for drafting and executing construction contracts, monitor project status and progress, and conducting engineering research and investigations. You will also train new design engineers, guide other departments on engineering matters, and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
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.
Principal design engineers and radio frequency engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Design Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average salary | $134,300 | $88,301 |
| Salary range | Between $99,000 And $180,000 | Between $67,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a principal design engineer and a radio frequency engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Design Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between principal design engineers' and radio frequency engineers' demographics:
| Principal Design Engineer | Radio Frequency Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 19.7% White, 60.2% 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% |