RTL vs Architecture which has better pay

Apple
qPMd13

Go to company page Apple

qPMd13
Feb 14 13 Comments

How does the compensation compare for these two fields? I know that it’s dependent on various factors but given the same experience level and the same company how would it vary.

I understand that as an architecture person you would get more system level understanding and as an RTL engineer you would get more implementation details of one block. #hardware #meta #nvidia #intel #qualcomm #apple

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 13 Comments
  • Qualcomm
    confusepro

    Go to company page Qualcomm

    confusepro
    For Tc always choose verification.. verification is the only thing that’s close to swe and u might eventually LC and become a swe
    Feb 14 7
    • Apple
      qPMd13

      Go to company page Apple

      qPMd13
      OP
      I’m not referring to moving to the software roles. Among architecture and design roles down the career path which would be more impactful and get you a higher tc as well?
      Feb 15
    • Google
      axhe2

      Go to company page Google

      axhe2
      Architecture is a hardware role that involves software. Architecture is significantly higher impact and TC.
      Feb 15
  • Google
    axhe2

    Go to company page Google

    axhe2
    Architecture has better high end pay. Average architects will likely get paid the same as average RTL folks. At companies like Google, architects can be classified as SWEs and get access to high-end SWE pay.
    Feb 14 2
    • Apple
      qPMd13

      Go to company page Apple

      qPMd13
      OP
      I see. And how easy/tough is the transition to architecture roles from RTL?
      I’ve heard people tell that it’s a natural transition to move to architecture
      Feb 15
    • Google
      axhe2

      Go to company page Google

      axhe2
      People might say that, but I think the best architects have a strong PhD background in computer architecture. Most architects probably follow the path you describe with just an RTL background, but most architects are also not very good - no offense.
      Feb 15
  • Apple
    lkkmdj

    Go to company page Apple

    lkkmdj
    What does the architecture person do?
    Mar 9 1