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Communications technician vs field service technician

The differences between communications technicians and field service technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a field service technician has an average salary of $54,339, which is higher than the $52,222 average annual salary of a communications technician.

The top three skills for a communications technician include customer service, rehabilitation and hand tools. The most important skills for a field service technician are customer service, preventative maintenance, and customer satisfaction.

Communications technician vs field service technician overview

Communications TechnicianField Service Technician
Yearly salary$52,222$54,339
Hourly rate$25.11$26.12
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs125,698167,298
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 40%
Average age4544
Years of experience-12

What does a communications technician do?

A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.

What does a field service technician do?

Field service technicians are skilled professionals who manage the technical needs of their clients outside the company's physical office space. They are usually on the field to visit their clients and check up on clients' equipment. Field service technicians are dispatched to provide technical support. They oversee installations, repairs, or maintenance activities. They ensure that all the work needed is done well. They also conduct diagnostic activities and troubleshooting. Field service technicians also supervise any updating or changes needed to be done in their clients' offices. They are expected to have good analytical skills, communication skills, and highly technical skills.

Communications technician vs field service technician salary

Communications technicians and field service technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications TechnicianField Service Technician
Average salary$52,222$54,339
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $91,000Between $35,000 And $82,000
Highest paying CityTualatin, ORSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyPacifiGoogle
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between communications technician and field service technician education

There are a few differences between a communications technician and a field service technician in terms of educational background:

Communications TechnicianField Service Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 40%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeStanford University-

Communications technician vs field service technician demographics

Here are the differences between communications technicians' and field service technicians' demographics:

Communications TechnicianField Service Technician
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%1%

Differences between communications technician and field service technician duties and responsibilities

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Field service technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage onsite supporting contractors to achieve customers end result to satisfaction.
  • Lead initiatives to decrease manufacturing downtime and increase QA process inspection.
  • Manage a team of 12 field engineers and 130 MRI systems in NYC.
  • Collaborate to achieve a Citrix solution for the IADC shop floor and implement the current server farm.
  • Manage and administer network security, LAN, WLAN, desktops, servers, applications, and databases.
  • Manage and service access control technology to include Honeywell's StarII and TEMA, and PCSC MicroLPM and IQ series controllers.
  • Show more

Communications technician vs field service technician skills

Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%
Common field service technician skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 8%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 6%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 4%
  • Test Equipment, 3%

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