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Automation engineering technician vs technician

The differences between automation engineering technicians and technicians 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 a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an automation engineering technician has an average salary of $89,591, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for an automation engineering technician include PLC, HMI and automation engineering. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Automation engineering technician vs technician overview

Automation Engineering TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$89,591$38,045
Hourly rate$43.07$18.29
Growth rate3%1%
Number of jobs81,592596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4540
Years of experience42

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 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.

Automation engineering technician vs technician salary

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

Automation Engineering TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$89,591$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $66,000 And $121,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Microsoft
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between automation engineering technician and technician education

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

Automation Engineering TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegePurdue University-

Automation engineering technician vs technician demographics

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

Automation Engineering TechnicianTechnician
Average age4540
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%2%

Differences between automation engineering technician and technician 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

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

Automation engineering technician vs technician skills

Common automation engineering technician skills
  • PLC, 14%
  • HMI, 13%
  • Automation Engineering, 8%
  • Windows, 7%
  • Automation Systems, 7%
  • Control Systems, 6%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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