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The differences between certified technicians and instrument technician apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a certified technician, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a certified technician has an average salary of $52,208, which is higher than the $39,849 average annual salary of an instrument technician apprentice.
The top three skills for a certified technician include A+, patients and patient care. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.
| Certified Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $52,208 | $39,849 |
| Hourly rate | $25.10 | $19.16 |
| Growth rate | 1% | - |
| Number of jobs | 140,083 | 130,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Average age | 40 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
Certified technicians are technical professionals who perform technical tasks in the fields of applied science or engineering technology. These technicians are required to demonstrate their customer service skills and problem-solving abilities by resolving issues of customers immediately and efficiently. They must follow the dealership standards when performing work specified to maintenance and repair orders. They are required to work directly with customers to maximize equitable profitability for both the organization and their customers. Certified technicians must also possess detailed knowledge and experience in automobile mechanical works.
An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.
Certified technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certified Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $52,208 | $39,849 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $84,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Connor Group | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a certified technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Certified Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between certified technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:
| Certified Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average age | 40 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 8% |