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The differences between radio frequency engineers and controls 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 radio frequency engineer and a controls engineer. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $84,532 average annual salary of a controls engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $84,532 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 50,203 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.
Radio frequency engineers and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $84,532 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $64,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between radio frequency engineers' and controls engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Controls Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |