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Communications technician vs service technician

The differences between communications technicians and service technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, which is higher than the $40,379 average annual salary of a service technician.

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

Communications technician vs service technician overview

Communications TechnicianService Technician
Yearly salary$52,222$40,379
Hourly rate$25.11$19.41
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs125,698254,533
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 29%
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 service technician do?

Service technicians are assigned in the field to address the concerns of their clients. Service technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, or repair of different units or items related to their company's products or services. They should be familiar with their company's products so that they can properly install, maintain, or repair them. They conduct diagnostics and analysis to assess the condition of the unit they are servicing and properly address problems. They also do routine maintenance check-ups. Service technicians are expected to be trustworthy, have good analytical skills, and have good decision-making skills.

Communications technician vs service technician salary

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

Communications TechnicianService Technician
Average salary$52,222$40,379
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $91,000Between $28,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityTualatin, ORRichmond, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyPacifiIBM
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between communications technician and service technician education

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

Communications TechnicianService Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 29%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Communications technician vs service technician demographics

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

Communications TechnicianService Technician
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8%
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, 5.1% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 1.7% White, 72.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%1%

Differences between communications technician and 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

Service technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and perform the installation of HVAC equipment, air handlers, condensers, thermostats, ducts and piping.
  • Perform routine maintenance work on loaders, conveyors, trucks, and trailers.
  • Cable installation as a COMCAST subcontractor
  • Ensure ISO compliance and perform QC.
  • Service damaged smartphones, tablets, and peripherals.
  • Remove and launch boats from water using heavy equipment.
  • Show more

Communications technician vs 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 service technician skills
  • Plumbing, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • CDL, 6%
  • Patients, 6%

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