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The differences between automation engineering technicians and validation technologists 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 validation technologist. Additionally, an automation engineering technician has an average salary of $89,591, which is higher than the $50,457 average annual salary of a validation technologist.
The top three skills for an automation engineering technician include PLC, HMI and automation engineering. The most important skills for a validation technologist are troubleshoot, python, and test results.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Validation Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $89,591 | $50,457 |
| Hourly rate | $43.07 | $24.26 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 81,592 | 48,765 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A validation technologist works with a process chief and applies validation methods to complete tasks and carry out installations. They perform operational protocol duties and do reviews daily. They also analyze the validation test data to make sure it meets the necessary criteria for validation. They may have to generate and conduct all the phases in the validation process. These include IQs, OQ's and PQ's.
Automation engineering technicians and validation technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automation Engineering Technician | Validation Technologist | |
| Average salary | $89,591 | $50,457 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $121,000 | Between $38,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Frederick, MD |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | AstraZeneca |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between an automation engineering technician and a validation technologist in terms of educational background:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Validation Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between automation engineering technicians' and validation technologists' demographics:
| Automation Engineering Technician | Validation Technologist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 74.5% Female, 25.5% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 11.2% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |