According to various reports, the average annual salary for a PCB designer in the U.S. is around $87,571, with entry-level roles starting at $55,000 and senior designers earning up to $110,000+.
Sounds appealing, right?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main 7 steps to becoming a PCB designer in 2025. If you’re ready to get into this growing demand, read on to learn how you can start your career in PCB design!
What is a PCB Designer?
A PCB designer is a professional responsible for designing the layout of printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electronic devices.
A PCB designer’s work involves creating circuit layouts, placing electronic components, and ensuring proper electrical connections on the printed circuit board. They ensure that components like resistors, capacitors, and microchips are properly arranged for functionality and manufacturability.
What’s more, PCB designers use specialized software tools, such as Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle, to create designs that meet electrical and mechanical specifications. PCB designers must also understand how to create copper connections and route electrical connections between electronic components. They also work closely with electrical engineers and manufacturers to make sure the design is efficient, cost-effective, and reliable.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing schematic diagrams
- Circuit design
- Creating PCB layouts and routing traces
- Ensuring signal integrity and power distribution
- Collaborating with engineers on design revisions
- Verifying designs with testing and simulations
For companies seeking high-quality solutions, PCB design services from firms like Conclusive Tech provide expert design, layout, and testing to meet industry standards. These services help businesses streamline product development and ensure their PCBs are optimized for performance.
How to Become a PCB Designer in 2025
To become a PCB designer in 2025, you need to gain fundamental electronics knowledge, learn ECAD/PCB tools, build a portfolio, earn certifications, apply for internships, network, and continue learning. In this section, we will break down each of these steps in detail to help you start your journey.
1. Gain Fundamental Electronics Knowledge (Degree or Courses)
To enter PCB design, you first need a strong foundation in electronics. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field is a common starting point. However, if you already have a technical background, you might pursue shorter courses or certifications to get up to speed.
Key areas to cover include:
- Basic electronics principles
- Circuit analysis and design
- Component selection and functionality
- Electrical signals and power distribution
- Schematic design and understanding of electronics systems
A solid grasp of these concepts is a must for successful PCB design!
2. Learn and Certify in ECAD/PCB Design Tools
Once you have a basic understanding of electronics, the next step is to learn how to use specialized PCB design software. ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design) tools are essential for creating, simulating, and testing your designs. Mastering these tools is key to making your designs a reality.
Popular PCB design software includes:
- Altium Designer
- KiCad
- Eagle
- OrCAD
- EasyEDA
These tools help you create the layout for your circuit board, define component placement, and ensure your design meets industry standards. Becoming proficient in one or more of these tools will make you competitive in the job market.
Plus, many platforms also offer certifications to validate your skills, making you more attractive to employers.
3. Build a Portfolio with Hands-On Projects
Now that you have a solid understanding of electronics and design tools, it’s time to apply your knowledge. Building a portfolio of real projects will demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Working on personal projects, open-source contributions, or freelance work will help you gain practical experience. Tackling complex designs and providing creative solutions to design challenges will help you become a proficient PCB designer.
Projects can include:
- Designing a simple LED circuit
- Building a custom PCB for a small device
- Collaborating on open-source hardware projects
A strong portfolio should include high-quality designs to impress potential employers. It showcases your ability to handle different design challenges, from schematic creation to board layout. It also highlights your problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which are critical in PCB design.
4. Earn Certifications like IPC CID/CID+
Obtaining certifications is a great way to validate your expertise and increase your job prospects. Industry-recognized certifications, such as the IPC Certified Interconnect Designer (CID) or CID+, are highly regarded in the field of PCB design. These certifications are recognized across the electronics industries and are offered by the IPC, an association connecting electronics industries. They demonstrate your knowledge of design standards, industry best practices, and the ability to create high-quality, manufacturable PCB layouts.
Earning these certifications typically involves passing an exam that covers topics like:
- PCB manufacturing processes
- Design for manufacturability (DFM)
- Schematic design and layout rules
- Signal integrity and power distribution
PCB design organizations and the Printed Circuit Engineering Association provide valuable resources and certification programs for aspiring PCB designers, helping ensure adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Note that these credentials can set you apart from other candidates and give you a competitive edge in the job market.
5. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Roles
Practical experience is essential for building your career as a PCB designer. After gaining foundational knowledge and earning certifications, applying for internships or entry-level positions is the best way to gain hands-on industry experience. These roles allow you to work under the guidance of senior designers, learn industry-specific tools, and understand real-world design challenges.
Internships or junior roles will help you:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects
- Understand the design process from start to finish
- Work with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are viable
- Gain exposure to industry standards and regulations
Starting with an internship or entry-level job is one of the most effective ways to learn, grow, and advance in your PCB design career.
6. Network Through Events and Communities
Networking plays a key role in advancing your career as a PCB designer. Joining industry events, online communities, and professional organizations connects you with skilled professionals and those involved in process development, providing valuable insights and career opportunities. It helps you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in PCB design.
You can:
- Attend conferences like PCB West and DesignCon
- Participate in online forums such as Reddit’s PCB Design community or the EEVblog
- Join LinkedIn groups dedicated to PCB and electronics design
- Seek mentorship from senior designers or engineers
Building a professional network opens up job opportunities, collaborations, and access to valuable resources that will support your growth in the field.
7. Pursue Ongoing Learning and Specialization
PCB design is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, materials, and design techniques. To stay competitive, you should pursue ongoing learning. Take advanced courses in specialized areas like high-speed PCB design, flex PCBs, or embedded systems. This deeper knowledge allows you to tackle more complex and cutting-edge design projects.
Additionally, consider specializing in specific industries such as:
- Automotive electronics
- Aerospace and defense
- Medical device design
- IoT (Internet of Things) applications
Specializing in a niche can increase your value in the job market and open doors to higher-paying opportunities and more challenging projects.
What Skills Do I Need to Become a PCB Designer?
To succeed as a PCB designer, you need a combination of technical and soft skills. These skills allow you to create effective, reliable, and manufacturable PCB designs.
Key technical skills include:
- Electronics knowledge – Understanding circuits, components, and signal flow
- Proficiency with ECAD tools – Mastery of design software like Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle
- Design for manufacturability (DFM) – Ensuring your design can be easily and cost-effectively produced
- Signal integrity – Managing electrical signals to avoid interference and ensure performance
- Power distribution – Designing efficient power paths to meet electrical requirements
But let’s not forget about soft skills as well:
- Problem-solving – Addressing design challenges creatively and efficiently
- Attention to detail – Ensuring high-quality, error-free designs
- Communication – Collaborating with engineers and manufacturers to optimize designs.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a PCB designer in 2025 requires a mix of technical expertise, hands-on experience, and ongoing education. As the demand for skilled designers continues to rise, mastering the fundamentals of electronics, becoming proficient in ECAD tools, and understanding design standards will help you thrive in the industry.
Focusing on building a solid portfolio, applying for internships, and gaining real-world experience will set you on the right path. Networking with professionals and staying current with industry trends will also provide opportunities for growth.
With dedication and continuous learning, you can carve out a successful career in PCB design, contributing to the advancement of technology in various sectors.
