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Automation engineering technician vs robotics engineer

The differences between automation engineering technicians and robotics engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an automation engineering technician and a robotics engineer. Additionally, a robotics engineer has an average salary of $101,208, which is higher than the $89,591 average annual salary of an automation engineering technician.

The top three skills for an automation engineering technician include PLC, HMI and automation engineering. The most important skills for a robotics engineer are python, linux, and CAD.

Automation engineering technician vs robotics engineer overview

Automation Engineering TechnicianRobotics Engineer
Yearly salary$89,591$101,208
Hourly rate$43.07$48.66
Growth rate3%2%
Number of jobs81,59261,819
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4543
Years of experience44

What does an automation engineering technician do?

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.

What does a robotics engineer do?

A robotics engineer is responsible for designing robotic systems to support humans and businesses with their daily activities and operations using various technology systems and metal components. Robotics engineers run multiple diagnostic tests on the machines, identify inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting procedures for defective system components. They also configure the robot's features regularly, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy through different stages of production. A robotics engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, including analytical expertise, to monitor cost-estimates and maintain the project within the budget goals.

Automation engineering technician vs robotics engineer salary

Automation engineering technicians and robotics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Automation Engineering TechnicianRobotics Engineer
Average salary$89,591$101,208
Salary rangeBetween $66,000 And $121,000Between $70,000 And $144,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Internet

Differences between automation engineering technician and robotics engineer education

There are a few differences between an automation engineering technician and a robotics engineer in terms of educational background:

Automation Engineering TechnicianRobotics Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common collegePurdue UniversityCarnegie Mellon University

Automation engineering technician vs robotics engineer demographics

Here are the differences between automation engineering technicians' and robotics engineers' demographics:

Automation Engineering TechnicianRobotics Engineer
Average age4543
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.7% Asian, 17.9% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between automation engineering technician and robotics engineer duties and responsibilities

Automation engineering technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
  • Research previous governmental projects on PLC to create new program simulations for team
  • Used Siemens PLC programming (STL) to improve efficiency of production line.
  • Train manufacturing personnel on new and current product assemblies, and to maintain compliance with GMP and ISO standards.
  • Work on improvements to and calibration of a reverberation chamber used for RF susceptibility testing.
  • Troubleshoot, design, calibrate, manufacture and maintain modern air traffic control communications and RF equipment.
  • Show more

Robotics engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage: client presentations; robotic configuration designs; welding/cutting/assembly programs; trade show exhibitions.
  • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
  • Develop automated test benches using C++ and MATLAB with capabilities to analyze the sensor data.
  • Provide design documentation and mechanical engineering support for the chemical industry using AutoCAD software
  • Design the speed bump camera system in SolidWorks.
  • Provide engineering support of robotic arm operations for NASA shuttle missions.
  • Show more

Automation engineering technician vs robotics engineer skills

Common automation engineering technician skills
  • PLC, 14%
  • HMI, 13%
  • Automation Engineering, 8%
  • Windows, 7%
  • Automation Systems, 7%
  • Control Systems, 6%
Common robotics engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Linux, 7%
  • CAD, 6%
  • ROS, 6%
  • PLC, 5%
  • MATLAB, 5%

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