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The differences between diesel technicians and instrument technician apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a diesel technician, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a diesel technician has an average salary of $46,868, which is higher than the $39,849 average annual salary of an instrument technician apprentice.
The top three skills for a diesel technician include CDL, customer service and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.
| Diesel Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $46,868 | $39,849 |
| Hourly rate | $22.53 | $19.16 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 128,944 | 130,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Average age | 42 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.
Diesel technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diesel Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $46,868 | $39,849 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $65,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Cummins | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a diesel technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Diesel Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between diesel technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:
| Diesel Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average age | 42 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 8% |