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The differences between radio frequency engineers and special project 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 special project engineer. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for a special project engineer are DOD, design changes, and engineering support.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $70,934 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $34.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 90,999 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| 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 special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.
Radio frequency engineers and special project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $70,934 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $52,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Newark, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and a special project engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between radio frequency engineers' and special project engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Special Project Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |