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The differences between radio frequency engineers and cost 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 cost engineer. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $87,901 average annual salary of a cost engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for a cost engineer are project management, cost analysis, and construction management.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $87,901 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $42.26 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 65,278 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 cost engineer is responsible for projecting cost and expenses reports for the production process, identify and mitigate risks, and develop strategic techniques to reduce the excessive financial loss for project buildings. Cost engineers conduct data and statistical analysis to measure time deliverables and quality checks to ensure profitability and adherence to business objectives. They research and negotiate materials from trusted suppliers and vendors with high-quality products that would meet construction designs and client specifications.
Radio frequency engineers and cost engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $87,901 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and a cost engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between radio frequency engineers' and cost engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Cost Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 74.1% Female, 25.9% |
| 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, 4.9% 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% |