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The differences between electrical technicians and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, which is higher than the $55,215 average annual salary of an electrical technician.
The top three skills for an electrical technician include hand tools, PLC and electrical equipment. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Electrical Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $55,215 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $26.55 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | - | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 127,792 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An electrical technician is responsible for managing the electrical systems of an establishment, ensuring the safety of the network and cables to support daily operations. Electrical technicians analyze schematics and specifications to construct electrical systems, run diagnostic tests, and perform repairs for any defects and inconsistencies. They assemble electrical equipment, replace malfunctioning components, upgrading systems, and advising management of high-quality electrical supplies. An electrical technician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical and mechanical industry, especially with supervising electricians on their duties, as well as responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns.
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.
Electrical technicians and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $55,215 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $80,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Washington |
| Best paying company | Texas Instruments | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical technician and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between electrical technicians' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Technician | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 50 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |