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Communications technician vs technician

The differences between communications technicians and 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 $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for a communications technician include customer service, rehabilitation and hand tools. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Communications technician vs technician overview

Communications TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$52,222$38,045
Hourly rate$25.11$18.29
Growth rate8%1%
Number of jobs125,698596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4540
Years of experience-2

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 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.

Communications technician vs technician salary

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

Communications TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$52,222$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $91,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityTualatin, ORSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyPacifiMicrosoft
Best paying industryGovernmentTelecommunication

Differences between communications technician and technician education

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

Communications TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Communications technician vs technician demographics

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

Communications TechnicianTechnician
Average age4540
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 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 communications technician and 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

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

Communications technician vs technician skills

Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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