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The differences between construction materials testing technicians and test operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a test operator has an average salary of $35,591, which is higher than the $33,781 average annual salary of a construction materials testing technician.
The top three skills for a construction materials testing technician include asphalt, field testing and certifications. The most important skills for a test operator are test equipment, hand tools, and test procedures.
| Construction Materials Testing Technician | Test Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,781 | $35,591 |
| Hourly rate | $16.24 | $17.11 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 35,836 | 63,674 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A construction materials testing technician is responsible for inspecting the efficiency and performance of construction tools and equipment, as well as the condition of the construction area and foundation. Construction materials testing technicians analyze the structure of the material's components, reading schematics and blueprints to assemble tools, and monitoring daily construction progress. They also identify cost-reduction materials by negotiating with trusted suppliers and contractors, ensuring high-quality products and deliverables. A construction materials testing technician must have excellent organizational and communication skills, especially in recommending strategic procedures for quality checks and testing.
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
Construction materials testing technicians and test operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Construction Materials Testing Technician | Test Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,781 | $35,591 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $25,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Stratford, CT |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | Qorvo |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a construction materials testing technician and a test operator in terms of educational background:
| Construction Materials Testing Technician | Test Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between construction materials testing technicians' and test operators' demographics:
| Construction Materials Testing Technician | Test Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 7.4% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |