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The differences between electrical engineers and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an electrical engineer and a technician. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an electrical engineer include autocad, electrical systems and UL. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Electrical Engineer | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $81,026 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $38.95 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 68,536 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Electrical engineers and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Engineer | Technician | |
| Average salary | $81,026 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $109,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an electrical engineer and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Engineer | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | - |
Here are the differences between electrical engineers' and technicians' demographics:
| Electrical Engineer | Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |