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The differences between automation engineering technicians and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an automation engineering technician, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation engineering technician has an average salary of $89,591, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for an automation engineering technician include PLC, HMI and automation engineering. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $89,591 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $43.07 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 81,592 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
An automation engineer technician specializes in developing and maintaining automated systems in various industries. They are responsible for responding to reports involving complex issues, inspecting systems, troubleshooting problems, replacing or fixing parts, and maintaining extensive records. They may also perform regular maintenance checks, develop and implement test structures, perform upgrades and modifications, establish guidelines, and communicate directly with clients in an effort to solve issues and concerns. Moreover, they provide technical support to staff, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Automation engineering technicians and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $89,591 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $121,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between an automation engineering technician and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between automation engineering technicians' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |