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The differences between signal engineers and senior field engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a signal engineer and a senior field engineer. Additionally, a senior field engineer has an average salary of $97,104, which is higher than the $87,939 average annual salary of a signal engineer.
The top three skills for a signal engineer include field testing, control systems and project management. The most important skills for a senior field engineer are RF, technical support, and excellent interpersonal.
| Signal Engineer | Senior Field Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,939 | $97,104 |
| Hourly rate | $42.28 | $46.68 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 25,699 | 86,767 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A signal engineer holds the responsibility of conducting feasibility studies, cost estimates, planning, budgeting, and administration relating to signal issues. They manage approved work programs for traffic signals, resolve issues with existing traffic signals, and oversee members of the traffic signal staff.
A senior field engineer is in charge of overseeing and providing technical support on-site, helping operations run smoothly and efficiently. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, performing research and analysis, managing staff, producing progress reports, and conducting inspections, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. They must also perform regular maintenance checks on equipment, performing corrective repairs and adjustments when necessary. Furthermore, as a senior field engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to junior engineers while implementing the site's safety policies and regulations.
Signal engineers and senior field engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Signal Engineer | Senior Field Engineer | |
| Average salary | $87,939 | $97,104 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $129,000 | Between $67,000 And $139,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a signal engineer and a senior field engineer in terms of educational background:
| Signal Engineer | Senior Field Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between signal engineers' and senior field engineers' demographics:
| Signal Engineer | Senior Field Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% | Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 18.8% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |