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The differences between radio frequency engineers and electronics 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 an electronics engineer. Additionally, an electronics engineer has an average salary of $93,985, which is higher than the $88,301 average annual salary of a radio frequency engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for an electronics engineer are analog, RF, and power electronics.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $93,985 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $45.19 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 83,870 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
An electronics engineer specializes in designing and developing electronic components and systems, ensuring efficiency in all aspects. They are primarily responsible for conducting tests and maintenance for systems, identifying any faults or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, an electronics engineer must coordinate with clients to consult them on their needs and meet with other skilled engineers to ensure optimal quality of equipment. An electronics engineer may also perform administrative tasks, mainly to produce progress reports and presentations, manage schedules, and craft instructional written materials for all electronic systems.
Radio frequency engineers and electronics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $93,985 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $68,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and an electronics engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between radio frequency engineers' and electronics engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Electronics Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% |
| 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, 11.4% Asian, 15.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |