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The differences between communications technicians and telecommunications 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 $41,935 average annual salary of a telecommunications technician.
The top three skills for a communications technician include customer service, rehabilitation and hand tools. The most important skills for a telecommunications technician are broadband, customer service, and fiber optic cables.
| Communications Technician | Telecommunications Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $52,222 | $41,935 |
| Hourly rate | $25.11 | $20.16 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 125,698 | 70,494 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
A telecommunications technician is responsible for maintaining the company's telecommunication networks, including communication systems and installation of internet lines and cables. Telecommunications technicians inspect the efficiency of the organization's communication networks, ensuring its optimal performance to support the business' operations. They also upgrade the systems, run diagnostic tests for newly installed cables, and create detailed reports of preventive maintenance processes for reference. A telecommunications technician must have excellent knowledge of the technological industry, including the end-users' and clients' needs to determine the best procedures to maintain the reliability of existing systems.
Communications technicians and telecommunications technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Communications Technician | Telecommunications Technician | |
| Average salary | $52,222 | $41,935 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $91,000 | Between $31,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Pacifi | Nebraska Public Power District |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a communications technician and a telecommunications technician in terms of educational background:
| Communications Technician | Telecommunications Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between communications technicians' and telecommunications technicians' demographics:
| Communications Technician | Telecommunications Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 13.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |