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The differences between radio frequency engineers and electrical designers 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 designer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $64,930 average annual salary of an electrical designer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for an electrical designer are revit, electrical design, and autocad electrical.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $64,930 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $31.22 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 82,332 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| 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 designer designs and develops electrical circuit and system layouts for electric power distribution. The responsibilities of an electrical designer include assembling electrical panels and leading a team of document control personnel in-charged to identify and organize facility maintenance drawings. The position requires good initiative, writing, speaking, and mathematical skills to accomplish such responsibilities. The job's education requirements include possessing a college degree in electrical engineering, design, or a related field.
Radio frequency engineers and electrical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Designer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $64,930 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $47,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Amd |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and an electrical designer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| 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 designers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |