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The differences between radio frequency engineers and electrical design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a radio frequency engineer, becoming an electrical design engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $83,944 average annual salary of an electrical design engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for an electrical design engineer are electrical design, revit, and electrical systems.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $83,944 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $40.36 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 87,121 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
An electrical design engineer develops electrical systems for different applications. Electrical design engineers create system layouts and specifications. They test the systems and make some adjustments whenever necessary. The solutions they create range from component designs to large systems. The set of skills imperative for this job include good technical abilities, teamwork, motivation for extra work hours, ability to execute job under pressure, and enthusiasm. They should also be savvy in technology and innovation.
Radio frequency engineers and electrical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $83,944 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $63,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and an electrical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between radio frequency engineers' and electrical design engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |