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Assembler vs technician

The differences between assemblers and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $30,849 average annual salary of an assembler.

The top three skills for an assembler include assembly line, part numbers and dexterity. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Assembler vs technician overview

AssemblerTechnician
Yearly salary$30,849$38,045
Hourly rate$14.83$18.29
Growth rate-1%
Number of jobs22,566596,842
Job satisfaction52
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4440
Years of experience-2

What does an assembler do?

An assembler's general responsibility is to assemble parts and pieces of an item to create a full-length component. An assembler's duties also include checking inventories for correct quantities of components, following blueprints and acknowledging assembly instructions, verifying resources and supplies before assembly, and inspecting tools and equipment necessary to get the job done. Assemblers must also have extensive knowledge of machines, especially troubleshooting and maintenance, and ensuring the quality of the items without compromising the standard safety regulations of the production.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Assembler vs technician salary

Assemblers and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

AssemblerTechnician
Average salary$30,849$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $38,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyJefferson LabMicrosoft
Best paying industryAutomotiveTelecommunication

Differences between assembler and technician education

There are a few differences between an assembler and a technician in terms of educational background:

AssemblerTechnician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Assembler vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between assemblers' and technicians' demographics:

AssemblerTechnician
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 59.1% Female, 40.9%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 9.1% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage5%2%

Differences between assembler and technician duties and responsibilities

Assembler example responsibilities.

  • Utilize various hand tools, electronic measuring calipers, electrical meter gauges, and power tools.
  • Used math and reading skills to assemble speakers on assembly line while using various machines to create a finish product.
  • Attach slings, ropes, and cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, and bundles.
  • Assemble interior parts for Toyota automobiles.
  • Use of PLC software to program and de-bug small automate work cells.
  • Perform leak checks on HVAC, hydraulic systems, coolant system and fuel system.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Assembler vs technician skills

Common assembler skills
  • Assembly Line, 9%
  • Part Numbers, 7%
  • Dexterity, 7%
  • Basic Math, 7%
  • Math, 6%
  • Sub Assemblies, 5%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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