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The differences between control systems technicians and controls technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a control systems technician and a controls technician. Additionally, a control systems technician has an average salary of $55,368, which is higher than the $53,345 average annual salary of a controls technician.
The top three skills for a control systems technician include HVAC, PLC and HMI. The most important skills for a controls technician are PLC, control systems, and preventative maintenance.
| Control Systems Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $55,368 | $53,345 |
| Hourly rate | $26.62 | $25.65 |
| Growth rate | 5% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 122,228 | 53,158 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A control systems technician specializes in installing and repairing heating and ventilation systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Typically working for establishments and offices, their responsibilities often revolve around identifying the root of issues through troubleshooting and system testing, replacing components, cleaning out dirt and other obstructions, and conducting regular maintenance checks. They may also install and fix air conditioning systems, cleaning them as needed. Furthermore, as a control systems technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members, coordinating every step of the way.
A controls technician is in charge of operating various systems within a building or facility. Although the responsibilities will vary upon the line of work or employment, the duties still revolve around using software to control types of machinery and systems such as manufacturing devices and equipment, even lighting and ventilation. It is crucial to coordinate with department managers and supervisors to avoid any technical problems and ensure a safe work environment for everyone.
Control systems technicians and controls technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Control Systems Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Average salary | $55,368 | $53,345 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $88,000 | Between $37,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Napa, CA | Buffalo Grove, IL |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Enbridge | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a control systems technician and a controls technician in terms of educational background:
| Control Systems Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between control systems technicians' and controls technicians' demographics:
| Control Systems Technician | Controls Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |