Research Summary. The Zippia data team has conducted extensive research utilizing publicly available government data, company resources, and insights gathered from thousands of job postings to provide accurate average salary estimates for technician roles across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paid technician positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying technician roles:
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Product Technician ranks as the top-paid technician, with an average salary of $67,026 and an hourly wage of $32.22.
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Following closely is the Engineering Technician, earning an average salary of $60,273.
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The overall average technician salary stands at $38,045 per year, translating to an hourly wage of $18.29.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it should not be the only factor in your decision-making process. For those looking to pursue a career as a technician, understanding the highest-paid roles can significantly aid in planning your career trajectory.
Here are the leading salaries for various technician roles:
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Product Technician
Average Salary: $67,026
Product technicians are essential professionals who evaluate manufactured goods to ensure they meet quality standards and functionality prior to market release. Their responsibilities include equipment setup, adjustments, and conducting preventative maintenance to ensure safety and productivity. They leverage their technical expertise to identify mechanical and safety issues, proposing effective solutions while ensuring compliance with specifications and regulations.
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Engineering Technician
Average Salary: $60,273
The role of an Engineering Technician can vary significantly based on the industry, such as mechanical, civil, or industrial engineering. Common duties include troubleshooting technical issues, collaborating with engineers on design and assembly, and conducting tests. Engineering Technicians may specialize in specific fields following a focused training period, working closely under the guidance of experienced engineers.
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Electrical Technician
Average Salary: $55,215
An Electrical Technician oversees the electrical systems of establishments, ensuring network and cable safety to support daily operations. Their tasks include analyzing schematics to construct electrical systems, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing repairs. An Electrical Technician must possess strong knowledge in the electrical and mechanical industries, supervising electricians and addressing client inquiries.
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Projection Technician
Average Salary: $49,505
Projection Technicians manage the operations of projection booths, handling film projectors and overseeing content programming. Their responsibilities include ensuring proper storage of film prints, conducting preventive maintenance, and performing daily checks of projection equipment.
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Information Technology Technician
Average Salary: $49,031
Information Technology Technicians ensure the smooth operation of computer systems within organizations. Their roles encompass installing and maintaining software and hardware, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support. They may either work in-house for a company or operate independently.
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the average pay for various technician roles, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Technicians
Methodology
Zippia leverages publicly available information from government entities such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop its salary estimates.
In addition, our data science team reviews job postings and company-released information to ensure the salary data reflects current trends.
After data collection, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title to provide accurate salary estimates. For further details about our methodology, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Technician Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid technician job?
The highest-paid technician job is a Product Technician. Product Technicians earn an average salary of $67,026, which equates to $32.22 per hour.
These skilled professionals evaluate manufactured goods for quality and functionality before market release. They perform equipment setup, adjustments, and minor preventative maintenance to ensure safety and productivity. Using their technical knowledge, they identify mechanical and safety issues and propose solutions, ensuring that products conform to specifications and codes.
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What is a good salary for a technician?
A good salary for a technician is $38,045 or more. This average technician salary indicates that those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average compensation.
However, it’s important to consider that technician salaries vary by location, as companies adjust pay scales according to the cost of living. Research the average salary in your area for your level of expertise to get a clearer understanding of your compensation.
Additionally, entry-level technicians typically earn around $22,292, so it’s vital to consider this when assessing your salary against the overall average.
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Do technician jobs pay well?
Technician jobs can vary in pay. While some technician roles offer higher salaries than others, the average technician salary of $38,045 is below the national average of approximately $44,225 per year.
That said, many technician positions offer significant earning potential, particularly in specialized fields, with the top 10% earning an average of $49,735 annually.
Salaries for technicians fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location. It’s essential to conduct research on the prevailing rates for technicians in your area and level of expertise and to negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do technicians get paid the most?
Technicians earn the highest salaries in Hawaii. In Hawaii, technicians earn an average annual salary of $56,045, or about $26.94 per hour.
Following Hawaii, the states offering the highest technician salaries include New Jersey, California, and Connecticut, with average salaries of $48,555, $52,037, and $46,743, respectively.
The cities with the highest technician salaries are:
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San Jose, CA – $53,121
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Baltimore, MD – $43,567
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New York, NY – $42,255
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
