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The differences between radio frequency engineers and electrical 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 engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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.
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.
Radio frequency engineers and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Redmond, WA |
| 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 engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |