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The differences between radio frequency engineers and telecommunication 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 telecommunication engineer. Additionally, a radio frequency engineer has an average salary of $88,301, which is higher than the $80,789 average annual salary of a telecommunication engineer.
The top three skills for a radio frequency engineer include test equipment, antenna and system performance. The most important skills for a telecommunication engineer are telecommunication, voip, and RF.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,301 | $80,789 |
| Hourly rate | $42.45 | $38.84 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,158 | 28,331 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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.
A telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.
Radio frequency engineers and telecommunication engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,301 | $80,789 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $115,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a radio frequency engineer and a telecommunication engineer in terms of educational background:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between radio frequency engineers' and telecommunication engineers' demographics:
| Radio Frequency Engineer | Telecommunication Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 87.7% Female, 12.3% |
| 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, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |