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The differences between wireless network engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a wireless network engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a wireless network engineer has an average salary of $101,117, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a wireless network engineer include RF, wireless network and switches. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,117 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $48.61 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 43,368 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A Wireless Network Engineer specializes in designing and developing wireless telecommunication systems and networks. They are responsible for understanding the client or company's needs, performing installations and upgrades, configuring wireless equipment, conducting assessments and inspections, troubleshooting problems, and performing corrective measures and adjustments as necessary. They must also create strategies to optimize local wireless networks, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Wireless Network Engineers must manage and lead staff to reach goals, all while promoting and implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Wireless network engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,117 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $132,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Meta | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a wireless network engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between wireless network engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.8% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |