Factors that Make a City Appealing for Circuit Board Designers
Before diving into specific locations, it’s important to understand the main criteria that determine whether a city is well-suited for circuit board designers:
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Job opportunities: A high concentration of electronics, technology, and manufacturing companies that employ PCB designers is crucial. The more job openings available, the better the chances of finding a position that aligns with your skills and career goals.
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Salary potential: Competitive compensation is essential to maintain a good quality of life and to feel valued for your work. Cities with higher average salaries for circuit board designers are more desirable.
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Cost of living: Even a high salary won’t go far in an extremely expensive city. It’s important to find a balance between earning potential and the costs of housing, food, transportation, and other necessities.
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Professional community: Having a strong network of fellow PCB designers and electronics engineers can provide valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and career growth. Cities with active professional organizations, meetups, and conferences are ideal.
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Quality of life: Factors like commute times, access to amenities, climate, and overall livability can greatly impact your day-to-day happiness and well-being. It’s important to find a city that aligns with your personal preferences and lifestyle.
With these key factors in mind, let’s explore some of the top cities for circuit board designers in the United States.
San Jose, California
As the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is an obvious contender for the best city for circuit board designers. This tech hub is home to numerous giants in the electronics industry, including Apple, Cisco Systems, and Western Digital, as well as countless smaller tech firms and startups.
Job Opportunities
San Jose has an exceptionally high concentration of electronics and computer technology jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan area has the highest employment level for electronics engineers in the country, with 28,050 jobs as of May 2021. Many of these positions involve PCB design work.
Salary Potential
Electronics engineers in San Jose earn a mean annual wage of $142,280, which is significantly higher than the national average of $110,210 for this occupation. Circuit board designers with specialized skills and experience can expect to command even higher salaries in this competitive market.
Cost of Living
The biggest drawback of living in San Jose is the high cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. The median home price in San Jose is over $1.3 million, making it one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Rent prices are also steep, with a median of $2,757 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as of February 2023.
Professional Community
San Jose offers an unparalleled community for those in the electronics and PCB design field. The city hosts numerous industry conferences and events, such as DesignCon, which attracts thousands of engineers and tech professionals each year. There are also many local meetups, hackathons, and networking opportunities to connect with fellow designers.
Quality of Life
While the cost of living is high, San Jose offers a great quality of life for those who can afford it. The city boasts beautiful weather, a diverse population, excellent public schools, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. However, traffic congestion is a significant issue, with many residents facing long commute times.
Austin, Texas
Austin has emerged as a major tech hub in recent years, attracting companies and talent from around the world. The city’s thriving startup scene, lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, and vibrant culture make it an appealing destination for circuit board designers.
Job Opportunities
Austin’s tech sector has grown rapidly over the past decade, with major players like Apple, Google, and Facebook establishing offices in the city. The metropolitan area has a high concentration of electronics and computer technology jobs, with the BLS reporting 8,780 electronics engineer positions as of May 2021.
Salary Potential
Electronics engineers in Austin earn a mean annual wage of $115,100, which is slightly above the national average. While salaries may not be as high as in Silicon Valley, the lower cost of living in Austin can make it a more affordable place to live and work.
Cost of Living
Compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City, Austin offers a relatively reasonable cost of living. The median home price in Austin is around $600,000, which is still high but much more affordable than San Jose. Rent prices are also lower, with a median of $1,789 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as of February 2023.
Professional Community
Austin has a vibrant and engaged tech community, with numerous meetups, conferences, and networking events for professionals in the electronics and PCB design field. The city hosts the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which features a range of tech-focused programming and attracts innovators from around the world.
Quality of Life
Austin is known for its laid-back vibe, thriving music and arts scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city has a diverse population, great restaurants, and a welcoming community. However, like many growing cities, Austin is grappling with issues like traffic congestion and rising housing costs.

Boston, Massachusetts
With its concentration of world-renowned universities, research institutions, and tech companies, Boston is a hub for innovation and a great place for circuit board designers to build their careers.
Job Opportunities
Boston’s tech sector encompasses a range of industries, from healthcare and biotech to electronics and robotics. The metropolitan area has a high concentration of electronics engineering jobs, with the BLS reporting 8,090 positions as of May 2021. Major employers in the region include Raytheon, Analog Devices, and Draper Laboratory.
Salary Potential
Electronics engineers in Boston earn a mean annual wage of $121,320, which is well above the national average. PCB designers with specialized skills and experience can expect to command competitive salaries in this market.
Cost of Living
Like many major cities on the East Coast, Boston has a relatively high cost of living. The median home price in Boston is around $800,000, and rent prices are also steep, with a median of $2,810 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as of February 2023.
Professional Community
Boston’s academic and research institutions provide ample opportunities for collaboration, learning, and networking in the electronics and PCB design field. The city hosts numerous tech conferences and events, such as the Embedded Systems Conference and the Design & Manufacturing New England trade show.
Quality of Life
Boston is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, world-class museums, and a thriving sports scene. The city has excellent public transportation, a highly educated population, and access to beautiful parks and green spaces. However, winters in Boston can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.
Seattle, Washington
Home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle has a thriving technology industry and a strong job market for circuit board designers.
Job Opportunities
The Seattle metropolitan area has a high concentration of electronics and computer technology jobs, with the BLS reporting 10,610 electronics engineer positions as of May 2021. In addition to the major tech companies based in the region, there are numerous smaller firms and startups that employ PCB designers.
Salary Potential
Electronics engineers in Seattle earn a mean annual wage of $124,920, which is significantly higher than the national average. Circuit board designers with in-demand skills and experience can expect to command competitive salaries in this market.
Cost of Living
Seattle has a relatively high cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. The median home price in Seattle is around $930,000, and rent prices are also steep, with a median of $2,288 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as of February 2023.
Professional Community
Seattle has a vibrant and engaged tech community, with numerous meetups, conferences, and networking events for professionals in the electronics and PCB design field. The city hosts the annual Pacific Northwest Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo, which attracts industry leaders and innovators from across the region.
Quality of Life
Seattle is known for its stunning natural beauty, with easy access to the Puget Sound, mountains, and forests. The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, great restaurants, and a strong sense of community. However, Seattle’s climate can be a challenge for some, with frequent rainfall and cloudy skies throughout much of the year.
San Diego, California
With its concentration of defense, aerospace, and telecommunications companies, San Diego is a hub for advanced technology and a great place for circuit board designers to build their careers.
Job Opportunities
San Diego’s technology sector encompasses a range of industries, from defense and aerospace to telecommunications and robotics. The metropolitan area has a high concentration of electronics engineering jobs, with the BLS reporting 8,970 positions as of May 2021. Major employers in the region include Qualcomm, General Atomics, and Northrop Grumman.
Salary Potential
Electronics engineers in San Diego earn a mean annual wage of $121,270, which is well above the national average. PCB designers with specialized skills and experience can expect to command competitive salaries in this market.
Cost of Living
San Diego has a relatively high cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. The median home price in San Diego is around $900,000, and rent prices are also steep, with a median of $2,458 per month for a one-bedroom apartment as of February 2023.
Professional Community
San Diego has a strong and engaged tech community, with numerous meetups, conferences, and networking events for professionals in the electronics and PCB design field. The city hosts the annual Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show, which attracts industry leaders and innovators from across the region.
Quality of Life
San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and laid-back lifestyle. The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, great restaurants, and a strong sense of community. San Diego also offers easy access to outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and golfing.
Comparison Table
To help summarize the key factors for each city, we’ve created a table comparing the job opportunities, salary potential, cost of living, professional community, and quality of life in each location:
City | Job Opportunities | Salary Potential | Cost of Living | Professional Community | Quality of Life |
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San Jose, CA | Highest concentration of electronics engineering jobs in the U.S. | Mean annual wage of $142,280 | Extremely high, with median home price over $1.3M | Unparalleled, with numerous industry conferences and events | Great weather and access to outdoor activities, but high traffic congestion |
Austin, TX | High concentration of tech jobs, with major players like Apple and Google | Mean annual wage of $115,100 | Relatively reasonable compared to other tech hubs | Vibrant and engaged, with events like SXSW | Laid-back vibe, thriving music and arts scene, but rising housing costs |
Boston, MA | High concentration of electronics engineering jobs, with major employers like Raytheon and Analog Devices | Mean annual wage of $121,320 | Relatively high, with median home price around $800K | Strong academic and research community, with numerous conferences and events | Rich cultural heritage, excellent public transportation, but harsh winters |
Seattle, WA | High concentration of tech jobs, with giants like Amazon and Microsoft | Mean annual wage of $124,920 | Relatively high, with median home price around $930K | Vibrant and engaged, with events like the Pacific Northwest Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo | Stunning natural beauty, thriving arts and culture scene, but frequent rainfall and cloudy skies |
San Diego, CA | High concentration of defense, aerospace, and telecommunications jobs | Mean annual wage of $121,270 | Relatively high, with median home price around $900K | Strong and engaged, with events like the Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show | Beautiful beaches, mild climate, and laid-back lifestyle, with access to outdoor activities |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q: What is the job outlook for circuit board designers in these cities?
A: The job outlook for circuit board designers is generally positive in these cities, as they all have a high concentration of electronics, technology, and manufacturing companies. However, the exact job outlook can vary depending on factors like economic conditions, industry trends, and the specific skills and experience of the individual. -
Q: Are there opportunities for remote work as a circuit board designer in these cities?
A: While many circuit board design jobs require on-site work, particularly in manufacturing and testing roles, there are growing opportunities for remote work in this field. With the increasing adoption of digital collaboration tools and remote work policies, some companies in these cities may offer remote or hybrid work arrangements for PCB designers. -
Q: What skills and qualifications are most important for success as a circuit board designer in these cities?
A: To succeed as a circuit board designer in these competitive markets, it’s important to have a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, proficiency with PCB design software like Altium Designer or OrCAD, and experience with industry standards and best practices. Additionally, skills in areas like signal integrity analysis, EMI/EMC design, and manufacturing processes can help set you apart and command higher salaries. -
Q: Are there any notable differences in the types of PCB design work available in each city?
A: While all of these cities have a diverse range of electronics and technology companies, there are some notable differences in the types of PCB design work available. For example, San Jose and Austin have a strong focus on consumer electronics and computing devices, while Boston has a higher concentration of biotech and medical device companies. Seattle and San Diego both have a significant presence in aerospace and defense industries. -
Q: What resources are available for networking and professional development in these cities?
A: Each of these cities has a range of resources available for networking and professional development in the electronics and PCB design field. These may include local chapters of professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), industry conferences and trade shows, meetups and networking events, and online communities and forums. Additionally, many companies in these cities offer internal training and development programs for their employees.
Conclusion
Choosing the best city to work as a circuit board designer depends on a variety of factors, including job opportunities, salary potential, cost of living, professional community, and quality of life. While each of the cities highlighted in this article – San Jose, Austin, Boston, Seattle, and San Diego – has its own unique strengths and challenges, they all offer exciting opportunities for growth and success in this dynamic field.
By carefully considering your personal priorities and preferences, you can find the ideal location to build a fulfilling career in PCB design. Whether you’re drawn to the unparalleled innovation of Silicon Valley, the vibrant culture of Austin, the academic prestige of Boston, the natural beauty of Seattle, or the laid-back lifestyle of San Diego, there’s a city out there that can help you thrive as a circuit board designer.