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The differences between communications technicians and tower 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 $37,471 average annual salary of a tower technician.
The top three skills for a communications technician include customer service, rehabilitation and hand tools. The most important skills for a tower technician are OSHA, CPR, and RF.
| Communications Technician | Tower Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $52,222 | $37,471 |
| Hourly rate | $25.11 | $18.01 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 125,698 | 92,566 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| 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 tower technician is responsible for maintaining the performance stability of line towers to provide the best network services for the customers. Tower technicians are often out in the field to conduct repairs and installations for the customers, inspecting the area's condition, and reporting structural inconsistencies and defects. They should have excellent mechanical and electrical knowledge to resolve issues immediately and create resolution manuals to prevent reoccurrence and ensure the safeness and security of line towers.
Communications technicians and tower technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Communications Technician | Tower Technician | |
| Average salary | $52,222 | $37,471 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $91,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tualatin, OR | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Pacifi | SPX |
| Best paying industry | Government | Construction |
There are a few differences between a communications technician and a tower technician in terms of educational background:
| Communications Technician | Tower Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between communications technicians' and tower technicians' demographics:
| Communications Technician | Tower Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |