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The differences between principal electrical engineers and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a principal electrical engineer and an electrical engineer. Additionally, a principal electrical engineer has an average salary of $121,822, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a principal electrical engineer include electrical engineering, RF and analog. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Principal Electrical Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $121,822 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $58.57 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 112,926 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A principal electrical engineer is responsible for overseeing the development of electrical systems and projects. Because of their expertise, they have the responsibility to spearhead electrical projects from planning to execution, set goals and budgets, establish guidelines, develop test structures, and create strategies to optimize operations. They must also respond to issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a principal electrical engineer, it is essential to manage staff while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Principal electrical engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Electrical Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $121,822 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $93,000 And $159,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a principal electrical engineer and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Electrical Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between principal electrical engineers' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Principal Electrical Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 15.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |